Laurel left Durango in November, 2018 to return to her home state of California after 7 incredible years in Colorado, and 1.5 with MSI.

Laurel joined MSI as the FC-FLIP Natural Resources Intern in May of 2017. Throughout the summer, she assisted with environmental education and botanical field projects across the San Juans. As the FC-FLIP program came to a close in August, she stayed on as a field technician to help with forestry research in Pagosa Springs and Bonita Peaks Mining District water sampling in Silverton. In December 2017, Laurel officially joined MSI's staff as the Forest Health Education Coordinator to continue her diverse role in helping organize collaborative partnerships (San Juan Headwaters Forest Health Partnerships and The 2-3-2 Cohesive Strategy Partnership), educational programs, and botanical research projects.

Laurel graduated with a degree in Environmental Science from Colorado College in 2016, with minors in Southwest Studies and Feminist and Gender Studies. She has spent the last five summers outdoors, between conducting botanical research projects, assessing conservation easements, and building trails. Her past research explored the effects of drought and competition for pollinators on subalpine wildflowers. She loves backpacking, mountain biking, baking, and making stained glass pieces. Since moving to Durango last year, Laurel has also volunteered with La Plata Open Space Conservancy and the Women’s Resource Center of Durango.