About us
Our People
Meet the people behind the mission! Our team is united by a shared commitment to restoring and protecting the environment.
The team
Maggie Bailey
Founder and Executive Director
In 2009, Maggie launched an Environmental Service Program in Raleigh, NC that came to be known in 2012 as We Plant it Forward.
With the support of many volunteers, community partners and funders Maggie developed the We Plant it Forward programs you see today - nature centered education, tree planting, tree preservation, tree giveaways, tree seed collection and water conservation. She is excited about the plans to grow the organization and build the capacity to serve the community at a higher level.
Maggie holds a Master of Science Degree in Conflict Analysis and Resolution and years of on the job environmental experience. Since 2009, she has led many tree planting volunteer efforts in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area and beyond, working with both adults and children. Using a hands-on learning curriculum, Project Learning Tree, Maggie has taught elementary age students the function of trees, benefits of trees, ecosystem, and proper tree planting. Her efforts have brought over 14,000 trees to the community of Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill, NC.
When she is not immersed in all things We Plant it Forward you will find Maggie hiking, reading, spending time with family and in quiet meditation.
Lauren Hartman
Treasurer
Lauren has spent the past 20 years cultivating transparent and collaborative partnerships to research and develop medicines and treatments for serious, life-threatening diseases/conditions. A career in clinical quality assurance and a personal love for travel has taken Lauren all over the world and instilled a deep appreciation for Earth’s beauty and fragility.
Lauren discovered We Plant It Forward when searching for opportunities to help protect the environment in meaningful and impactful ways. Volunteering with the organization to help collect tree seeds, organize Raleigh’s Arbor Day Festival, and plant trees to reestablish the dwindling tree canopy in her adopted hometown has given Lauren a way to put her energy into action.
When not digging for holes or seedlings, Lauren enjoys spending time with her husband Mark doing anything outdoors, cooking, and traveling to places near and far.
Paige Buffkin
Secretary
Paige is a Vendor Manager for Cloud Commercial Engagements at Cisco. Leveraging her skills to manage vendor relationships, and negotiate contracts, fostering strong partnerships to ensure global procurement operations run smoothly. Paige has worked with Electrical and Acoustical Engineering companies, as well as in the IT Asset Management field for over 8 years and has a passion for continuous learning and collaboration.
Outside of the professional realm, Paige is an avid traveler, always eager to explore new cultures and landscapes with a passion for physical health, helping to maintain balance, focus, and well-being in her busy life. As a North Carolina native, she has always found inspiration in our diverse plant life and beautiful outdoor spaces and joined We Plant it Forward to help safeguard these vital ecosystems for future generations to enjoy.
Lawrence Alleyne
Director
Lawrence is a Business Analyst at Cisco, specializing in Data Analysis, Business Process Improvement, Project Management, Technology Systems, and Supply Chain Management.
Beyond his professional achievements, Lawrence is passionate about applying his expertise for the greater good. He has a proven track record of successfully implementing data-driven solutions that drive positive change. Lawrence nurtures a deep interest in Business and Technology and maintains an unyielding passion for continuous learning, always seeking to broaden his horizons.
In his free time, you can find him going on nature walks, challenging hikes, at the gym, experimenting with recipes in the kitchen, learning new technology skills, or at the Oberlin Regional Library looking for a book to read.
Megan Bowles
Director
Megan Bowles is a native North Carolinian and long-time Raleigh resident whose professional journey is deeply rooted in cultivating environments where both people and nature can flourish. With a foundation from the NCSU College of Design and a career that spans transformative leadership roles—from pioneering work at LS3P to spearheading innovative strategies with Lucy Hawk—Megan has long championed the idea that true leadership is about nurturing spaces that empower others to thrive.
Now, as she joins the board of We Plant It Forward, Megan brings her signature people-centered leadership to a cause close to her heart: preserving and restoring our natural environment for future generations. Her dedication to environmental stewardship is reflected not only in her professional achievements but also in her personal commitment to sustainable living. Megan transforms her own little square of the world by cultivating her backyard and front yard with native plants and flowers, inviting pollinators and wildlife to flourish—a living testament to her belief that we all have a role in healing and nurturing our land.
At We Plant It Forward, Megan’s strategic insight and passion for environmental restoration align perfectly with the organization’s mission to bring harmony to all life through hands-on activities, community engagement, and environmental education. Her experience in fostering high-performing teams and building cultures of impact will help steer the organization toward new heights of environmental and community success.
In every facet of her work, Megan remains dedicated to creating spaces—whether organizational or natural—where growth, collaboration, and resilience are not only encouraged but flourish naturally. Her journey is a compelling narrative of how leadership and a love for the land can converge to inspire a healthier, more sustainable future for us all.
Melissa McCann
Director
Melissa McCann, ASLA, is a Senior Designer at City Collective, specializing in urban design, planning, landscape architecture, and economics. With over 30 years of experience, she integrates design, sustainability, and real estate development to create resilient, high-performing urban environments.
She is passionate about environmental stewardship, believing that thoughtful design can foster healthier communities and ecosystems. In addition, she is deeply committed to serving underserved communities, ensuring equitable access to quality public spaces and sustainable infrastructure.
She is motivated to serve on the We Plant it Forward Board to support reforestation efforts and community engagement in tree planting as a powerful tool for environmental restoration and climate resilience.
Outside of her work, she finds inspiration in travel, art, cooking, and gardening, drawing from these experiences to enrich her creative approach to design and creative placemaking.
Want to join our team?
Passionate about the environment? Serve on the We Plant it Forward Board, and advance our mission to preserve and restore the natural environment for the benefit of future generations through hands-on activities, community engagement, and environmental education, bringing harmony to all life.
For more information on how to join us, send our team a message, and Maggie Bailey will reach out to you.
Our advisors
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McClain is the North Carolina Forest Service Nursery manager at Clairidge State Nursery. Clairidge Nursery plants, grows, sells and distributes their annual seedling crop to NC landowners and residents for reforestation and afforestation purposes. McClain has been working in forestry for 18 years. His experience ranges from growing agricultural commodities and raising livestock on his family’s farm to seedling research and development with the NCFS Tree Improvement Program to growing and caring for 16 million pine and hardwood seedlings annually at Claridge Nursery.
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Dr. Bardon is the Associate Dean for Extension and Professor of Forestry in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources at NC State University. A registered NC forester, Robert's expertise includes forest marketing and management, economic development, and compatible land use. He also has experience working in urban forestry. In his capacity as advisor to We Plant it Forward, we will consult with Dr. Bardon on both traditional and urban forestry issues.
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Dr. Bradley is Associate Department Head and Department Extension Leader for the Department of Horticultural Science at NC State University. She directs the Consumer and Community Horticulture program which includes consumer horticulture, community gardening, therapeutic horticulture and the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer program. In her capacity as advisor to We Plant it Forward, Dr. Bradley helps WPiF connect with the statewide extension network and responds to our questions on native plants and other general horticultural areas.
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Dr. Fair is a landscaping, arboriculture, urban greening extension specialist and an associate professor in the Department of Horticultural Sciences at NC State University. A certified arborist, Dr. Fair is an expert in woody plant identification and selection, maintenance, and planting. Her research focus is on soil and water use in the landscape. As an advisor to We Plant it Forward, we will consult with Dr. Fair on soil, water and forestry issues.
Make a difference in your community
By partnering with us at We Plant it Forward, we can work together to restore and preserve the natural environment in your community.
Tell us about your project or idea today!
Our volunteers
No matter your age (12+) or skill level, there is a place for you in our volunteer community! Volunteers are instrumental to our team, helping us reach our goals to preserve and restore the natural environment.
On the ground: Help grow a greener, healthier community! Plant trees, collect seeds, distribute saplings at giveaways, or assist at rain barrel workshops—no experience required!
Behind the scenes: Use your skills to make a difference! Help us manage our social media, maintain our website, write blog posts, apply for grants, or even serve on our board of directors.
Interested in volunteering? Browse available opportunities on Activate Good, or tell us how you would like to get involved—we would love to have you!
Make a donation today
Your support helps us accomplish our mission to restore and preserve our natural environment for future generations through hands-on activities, environmental education, and community engagement, bringing harmony to all life.