Welcome 3 New Board Members

Our voting period for the Board of Directors ended last month, and we are thrilled about our newest additions. Please join us in welcoming Abbie Strickland, Abigail Lowell, and Peter Lehman to the EPIC Board!

Abbie Strickland

Abbie is a Transportation Planner with the California Coastal Commission and previously worked as a Land Use Planner for the County of Humboldt. She also serves as a member of the City of Arcata Planning Commission. Abbie earned her A.S. in Natural Sciences prior to transferring to Humboldt State and obtaining a B.S. in Environmental Science and Management with a concentration in Planning & Policy in 2020. She interned for EPIC in 2020 and has sought to contribute to their mission since. She is passionate about public service, planning, and improving the quality of life for current and future generations.

Abigail Lowell

Abigail Lowell (she/her) is a passionate, personable environmental professional with a growing career on the North Coast. She graduated from Humboldt State University in May 2021 with a B.S. in Environmental Science & Management with a concentration in Environmental Education & Interpretation, and a minor in Wildland Soil Science. Abigail then served in the AmeriCorps/CA Conservation Corps Watershed Stewards Program as a Corpsmember Team Leader on the North Coast from 2021-2022, before joining EPIC staff as Communications Coordinator/Director from 2022-2025. In February 2025, Abigail began her current role with Save the Redwoods League as the Redwoods Rising Forest Fellow, where she supports the administration of the landscape-scale Redwoods Rising forest restoration project in Redwood National & State Parks, and implements the annual Redwoods Rising summer college apprenticeship program in collaboration with Cal Poly Humboldt and College of the Redwoods. Abigail is passionate about climate action - including responsible forest management, renewable energy, and sustainable/accessible community design - and building connections among people and the environment through outreach/education, with a particular interest in regional/local efforts and partnerships on the North Coast.

Peter Lehman

As a trained scientist (a PhD in physical chemistry), I understand the urgency of addressing climate change, and I’ve dedicated my life to doing so as a teacher, researcher, engineer, and laboratory director focused on the promotion and development of renewable energy. In 1989, I founded the Schatz Energy Research Center at Cal Poly Humboldt and served as the Center’s director for its first 24 years. I’ve led groundbreaking projects in fuel cell and hydrogen technology and local microgrids, most recently working with Humboldt Transit Authority to initiate zero-emission transit service on the North Coast. I serve on the City of Arcata Planning Commission, promoting housing and non-motorized transportation for the City. My professional life aside, I love wild places and understand the importance of them to our nation’s and our personal well-being. I’m an experienced wilderness traveler. I’ve spent many summers canoeing on rivers and lakes in Arctic Canada and Alaska, and on rivers in California. I’ve backpacked many miles in the Sierra, the Wind Rivers, the North Cascades, and the Rocky Mountains. I would be honored to help EPIC protect the health of Mother Earth.

We are so grateful to welcome Abbie, Abigail, and Peter to the EPIC Board of Directors. Each brings unique expertise, passion, and perspective that will strengthen our mission to protect and restore the wild places of Northern California.