Throughout my professional journey, I've often found myself admiring certain individuals for their remarkable accomplishments, aspiring to learn from them and perhaps even emulate their success. Initially, I approached these figures with unwavering optimism, blinded by admiration and convinced of their infallibility. However, this idealization usually led to disappointment. Within a year, I'd inevitably discover that my heroes, like anyone else, possessed both strengths and weaknesses. This realization would shatter my overly optimistic image of them, reminding me that they, too, were only human and subject to flaws.
This pattern of disillusionment made me cautious about forming close working relationships with my idols in the land and sea exploration sectors. As a growth strategist, my role often requires deep, rapid engagement with the people I work with, making it hard to maintain the distance necessary to preserve my admiration unblemished. Eventually, I decided that it was best to admire my heroes from afar, celebrating their achievements without directly involving myself in their worlds.
Her high energy and larger-than-life personality made it nearly impossible not to want to get to know her. She wore bright colors, sometimes not matching her clothes at all, but seemed to somehow pull it off time and time again. At 70 years old, you’d think she was far from it, as she’s found a way to stay young at heart. This vibrant woman had single-handedly upended the world of science through her canopy research, giving her the name “Canopy Meg” within the scientific community and beyond.
There was something about Meg that drew the whole team to her—even though we never considered ourselves ones to seek out terrestrial science. It was the first time in a long time, I wanted to meet someone I truly considered a personal hero and role model. Something felt different this time.
Why exactly? Because Meg seemed, even from a distance, to be unapologetically “Meg.” She didn’t hide her true colors; they were quite literally across her entire body from her eccentric choice in clothing. She embraced being human, not having all the answers, carrying a forever childlike curiosity and a huge penchant for giving back to others. This was the first time in a long time, it seemed like we had stumbled onto the real deal.
The Explorers Club, with its venerable 125-year history, unites individuals dedicated to expanding human understanding across land, sea, and space. In 2017, I was honored to join this distinguished network, recognized for contributions made through my impact consultancy. Not fitting the traditional mold of an explorer, I have been extremely grateful for the opportunity to be part of this community. And because of that, I spent time trying to figure out how to best navigate this network of world-leading legends in their fields.
Often reserved for scientists or people who are out in the field in nearly a full-time capacity, I was certainly an oddball. But, no one ever made me feel that way. In fact, it was the exact opposite. And it was during my time immersing myself in “club life” that I learned about Meg Lowman. In 2023, she won “The Explorers Club Medal,” which among this group of people is a massive honor. According to the club, “awarded annually, it’s the club’s highest honor, recognizing individuals for their extraordinary contributions directly in the field of exploration, scientific research, or to the welfare of humanity.” When it came to Meg’s life and career, this all checked out.
Meg has been at the forefront of forest canopy research for over four decades. Dubbed the “real-life Lorax” by National Geographic and the “Einstein of the treetops” by Wall Street Journal, she has developed innovative methods for exploring the canopy, or what she refers to as the 8th continent. Her inventive toolkit for arbornauts includes slingshots, ropes, hot-air balloons, walkways, and construction cranes, allowing scientists to explore the entire tree, not just the forest floor.
Through her extensive international network and dedication to trees, she has played pivotal roles in environmental conservation, focusing on finding best practices to address ecological challenges. Today, she’s the Director of the TREE Foundation, an organization she’s leveraged to establish a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Malaysia, as well as form a partnership with Coptic priests in Ethiopia to conserve the nation’s dwindling forests (to name a few of Meg’s many accomplishments!) With over 150 peer-reviewed scientific publications and 10 books to her name, this woman is a certified badass.
But with all those accolades and accomplishments, what stood out to me the most was her emphasis on the importance of role models for women and minorities in science. This inclusive leadership style didn’t come out of nowhere. It stemmed from her being one of the ONLY women in the field when she started out, making it extremely challenging for her to be taken seriously. But this obviously did not deter her. She rose to the challenge, and after years of hard work became dubbed “Her Highness” among her colleagues and community.
Deciding to deviate from our typical sea trails, we touched down in Florida where Meg’s located. We were determined to meet the Leafiness herself. I wanted to experience all of this energy in person. After conducting the work we had set out to do in Florida, we made our way down the west coast from Crystal River to Weeki Wachee to Sarasota. We found ourselves sitting in the parking lot of Myakka River State Park—Meg’s beloved backyard.
This park is one of the biggest in the state, filled with palms, hammocks, oaks, mesic flatwoods, longleaf pines and palmetto trees. This first state-designated wild river area felt like we stepped back in time, as there was so much wildlife surrounding us. It was raining that day, so the huge alligator population was nowhere to be found, but the bird life was out to give us an incredible show.
Meg had wanted us to meet her at this specific location, as she was the creator of the Canopy Walkway that was found here, built back in 2000. This is North America's first public access treetop trail, acting as an outdoor research laboratory and an educational destination. With such a unique vantage point, this was an example of Meg’s lifelong work, studying the 8th continent. She wanted us to see everything she stands for in the flesh, and get a sense of what she meant by studying the canopies through the exploration of this 100 foot high walkway.
But, Meg didn’t work on this walkway alone. This was a massively collaborative effort between the TREE Foundation, the Florida Park Service, Friends of Myakka River, and additional local sponsors, which was a testament to the community's commitment to environmental education and conservation. Our team had spent the last two weeks realizing that both Florida's coastal and inland communities were highly committed to keeping their wild state exactly that. And Meg’s efforts proved no different.
Meg pulled up in her electric blue car, matching that vibrant personality I’d encountered only over zoom and phone calls. Decked head to toe in different floral patterns with an umbrella with trees all over it, the first thing she said to me was that I needed more color in my wardrobe. Of course, dressed in nothing but black and white (which has been my standard protocol my entire life) I couldn’t help but think she might be right.
Meg took us around her world, showing us the walkway she poured her heart and soul into, explaining to us its history and taking us to the tower structure which granted us panoramic views of the canopy and the park overall. Overlooking wetlands, as well as the transition areas between prairie and hammock ecosystems, we were blown away by the wilds of Florida. Even after years of living in the United States, I had never quite realized how special this place was.
After spending several hours exploring the park, Meg unveiled a picnic from the back of her blue car, complete with exquisite wine and pinwheel sandwiches that disappeared almost instantly. As we enjoyed the meal, she shared insights into her past successes, current projects, and future aspirations. It was remarkable to see someone so accomplished still dreaming of more, her candor and passion a breath of fresh air unlike any we had encountered on our travels.
This experience reinforced the idea that learning and growing have no age limit, and that pursuing one's dreams can lead to boundless opportunities. Meg's story, in particular, left a lasting impression, proving that meeting those you admire can profoundly inspire. She reminisced about her childhood dream of making a career out of climbing trees—a dream she realized against the odds, breaking gender norms along the way.
After our exploration of the canopies, I reflected on my prior apprehension when it came to meeting some of these idols of mine in person. But after my time with Meg, I found myself feeling nothing of the sort. Meg left me feeling inspired, empowered, engaged, and simply happy. I couldn’t help but think that perhaps some of this misdirected apprehension came from my own self-worth, and my OWN identity as an explorer. After all, this daring new world oftentimes feels like a daunting and gate kept community.
Meg helped me understand that identity and authenticity aren’t defined by awards, accolades, impressive degrees, scientific studies or explorer flags. They’re defined by passion. And that was one thing Meg was bursting out the seams with! In her company, I never doubted my place in the world of explorers, and truly embraced the fact that nature is for everyone and anyone curious and compelled enough to seek it out.
Reflecting on our time with Meg Lowman, we sat in contemplative silence on our drive out of the park, inspired to expand our own horizons and pursue our passions with renewed energy. Her journey, from a young girl with a dream to a pioneering scientist, served as a powerful reminder that with determination and a true love for what we do, the possibilities for what we can achieve are truly limitless.
We can’t wait to share what the future holds for the Edges of Earth team and Meg Lowman. It’s only just the very beginning. To be continued …
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