Lauren brings a lifelong love of nature and more than 20 years of gardening experience to her role as Grace Farms’ resident Master Gardener and beekeeper. She facilitates experiential gardening classes, daily educational talks, and meadow walks. Lauren offers field training to students in the Master Gardener Extension program sponsored by the University of Connecticut’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources.
Through the place of Grace Farms, visitors not only experience the awe and wonder of nature, but they learn the importance of environmental stewardship. Lauren manages the 1,450-square-foot Community Garden, where she incorporates climate-positive land care management through organic and vegan regenerative agricultural practices. She is also passionate about food equity: a portion of fresh produce grown in the Community Garden is donated to our local not-for-profit partners each year.
With a background teaching trauma-sensitive yoga to children and as a certified mindfulness facilitator, she invites visitors to connect with nature, taking time to notice and enjoy sensory plants, as well as share meaningful stories in this reflective and flourishing space. She also advocates for regenerating biodiversity by planting natives, removing invasives, and using organic practices in the home landscape.
Lauren has a Bachelor of Science in Business from Bentley University. Life outside the garden includes paddleboarding, skiing, and hiking.
