Mary is originally from New York State, where she grew up with her six siblings roaming through the woods near her home. This began a deep love and respect for nature. Shortly after retiring from a career in IT Project Management, she moved to Pisgah Forest and completed an MS in Environment and Sustainability. She is very excited to begin a new career aligned with her passion for sharing her love of nature and communicating the need to conserve our natural resources. Mary is an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer in Transylvania County and never met a plant she didn’t love. Until she learned about invasives, both native and non-native, that is! In her leisure time, she enjoys hiking, gardening, reading, cooking, and spending time with her family.