PROGRAM FOUNDER & DIRECTOR

Laura is an NRCS Conservation Planner, and long-time volunteer and Education/Outreach Coordinator for Avian Haven wild bird rehabilitation center in Freedom. She started and directs the Ag Allies program and has spent time field training at Cornell and with Dr. Noah Perlut on his grassland bird study in Vermont. She serves as Technical Director at Somerset County Soil & Water Conservation District and previously worked for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Laura received a B.S. in Soil Science from the University of New Hampshire and an M.S. in Ecology from Penn State University.

PROGRAM MANAGER, SOUTHERN MAINE

Maeve holds a degree in Environmental Science and Climate Change Studies from the University of New England. While at UNE, she studied under Dr. Noah Perlut and conducted research on the impact of climate change on grassland birds, farmers, and their shared resources. After graduating, she worked in land conservation before moving to her current role in nonprofit philanthropy. She has been working to understand and protect grassland birds since 2018 and has been a contractor with Ag Allies since 2021.

PROGRAM MANAGER, CENTRAL MAINE

Jennifer has been working with Ag Allies since 2019, conducting field surveys in Central and Western Maine and supporting the program’s outreach, public awareness and fundraising efforts. She holds a degree in Environmental Science and Policy from Duke University and for more than 20 years has worked in Maine’s land conservation community.   Outside of Ag Allies, Jennifer leads Somerset Woods Trustees, one of our partnering land trusts.

PROGRAM MANAGER

Maria Kolenda brings over 20 years of experience in program management, organizational change, and cross-functional leadership across healthcare, technology, and nonprofit sectors. Known for simplifying complexity and fostering collaborative relationships, she combines building trust and clear processes to connect people to a shared purpose. As a longtime Blue Hill resident and conservation advocate, Maria is dedicated to supporting the growth and sustainability of Ag Allies by bringing together farmers, landowners, conservation partners, and local communities to protect grassland birds, while supporting agricultural stewardship.

WEBSITE AND GRAPHIC DESIGN

A former wildlife biologist, Amy made a life change in 2025 and started her own freelance graphic design business called “Time To Fly Designs, LLC”. She volunteered to spearhead a re-branding project for Ag Allies and has updated the logo, the website, and a number of print materials. She also volunteers in the field, as well. Amy holds a B.S in Wildlife Management from the University of Maine, an M.S. in Wildlife Sciences from Virginia Tech and a B.A. in Graphic Design from Southern New Hampshire University.

To see more of Amy’s graphic design work, please visit her website at www.time2flydesigns.com.

INTERN & SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Julia is a junior Biochemistry and Environmental Science double major at the University of New England with strong interests in supporting environmental health and conservation. Striving to become an ecotoxicologist, she brings hands-on lab and field experience and a wide range of professional and volunteer experiences that have shaped her abilities to combine science, art, and environmental advocacy. She was introduced to Ag Allies through a UNE course and began to volunteer for the organization in January of 2026 working to improve Ag Allies’ online presence and promote their vision. Now Julia works as an Intern and Social Media Coordinator for Ag Allies contributing to a wide variety of tasks while continuing her studies. 

If you want to see what Julia has been up to, check out Ag Allies’ Instagram and Facebook accounts!!"

TECHNICAL ADVISOR