Laurel grew up in Ashland, Oregon. While  obtaining her BS degree in Ecology and Chemistry at Cal Poly Humboldt, she participated in surveys for beached marine mammals along the northern coast. Following her degree, Laurel completed two seasons with the US Forest Service working along the Smith River and conducting studies on the Bootleg fire scar. She recently served a term with the Conservation Corps Minnesota and Iowa where she gave back by completing conservation implementation activities including; invasive species removal, prescribed burning, forest stand improvements, and wildlife surveys. Laurel is passionate about conservation, maintaining and improving the ecological function of the state she calls home! In her free time she enjoys being with her dog at the river and in the forest, reading, and learning about the natural world! Wheeler SWCD welcomed Laurel to the team in July of 2025 as a Conservation Technician and the lead for all things fire!