About Us
Plant-Based U.P., formerly Plant-Based Marquette, seeks to improve the health and wellbeing of residents of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula by sharing the transformative power of plant-based nutrition.
Plant-Based U.P. got its start in the fall of 2022 as an initiative spearheaded by Skandia resident, Natasha Lantz, and Marquette physicians, Ryan Brang, MD and Katrina Brang, MD of Northcountry Health, and Evan Loukusa, MD. After a highly successful community event in January of 2023 and a follow up support session, the four of us found ourselves engrossed in work and family life, leaving little room for community outreach.
Late in 2024, Dr. Loukusa introduced Natasha to a new colleague, Maureen Bodenbach, PA-C, MSH, DipACLM. During an initial conversation between Maureen and Natasha, they discovered that Maureen is a graduate of the Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate Program offered by the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies where Natasha serves as the executive director of core operations.
In late spring of 2025, the universe conspired to bring the five of us together to continue the work that started in 2022. In order to be more inclusive, the name of our initiative became Plant-Based U.P.
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Maureen Bodenbach, PA-C, MSH, DipACLM
Medical Team Member
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Ryan Brang, MD, FAAFP
Medical Team Member
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Evan Loukusa, MD
Medical Team Member
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Natasha Lantz
Events Coordinator
Events
Plant-Based U.P. is a volunteer-led initiative offering educational presentations, support groups, and health retreats.
Thursday, January 22, 2026 - Understanding the Plant-Based Lifestyle
5:30 pm, Community Room, Basement of the Peter White Public Library (Marquette)
Are you sick and tired of feeling sick and tired? Looking to get some pep in your step? Know you need to eat differently but don’t know how? Find out how changing what’s on your plate can change your life—for the better! Join us for a short educational session about the basics of plant-based nutrition followed by an informative and engaging question and answer session with local plant-based doctors and community members. All are welcome regardless of whether you are already a plant-based eater or haven't yet started the journey. Bring a friend, neighbor or family member. See you at the library!
2026 Dates To Be Determined
Monday, February 2, 2026 - Intro to Plant-Based Cooking
5:30 pm, Community Room, Basement of the Peter White Public Library (Marquette)
Ready to embrace plant-based eating but not quite sure how to start? Trying to figure out how to stock a plant-based pantry? Wondering what items should be on your grocery list? We will answer these questions and more. Join us for a cooking demo followed by plant-based community members sharing their personal kitchen and cooking tips. All are welcome. See you at the library!
Contact Us
Your thoughts, questions, and ideas matter to us. We respond to all emails within 48 hours, including weekends.