Maren is a planetary scientist by training, but now works mainly on environmental education and activism around climate, air quality, plastics, food, labor, and justice. She serves in leadership roles at the Group Against Smog & Pollution, 350 Pittsburgh, ReImagine Food Systems, Pittsburghers Against Single-Use Plastic, and Pittsburgh Green New Deal, and works closely with many other local organizations and government officials. She volunteers as an Urban Ecosteward, a Tree Tender, a Master Gardener, and a Master Composter, and co-founded Putting Down Roots, Ohio Valley Environmental Resistance, the Pittsburgh Labor Choir, a school garden at a local K-8, and a nature education program in Frick Park. Maren often creates banners and signage for the local movement, and organizes and hosts Sustainability Salons, a monthly environmental education forum now in its 13th year.