Lilac Nature Connection Claimed

Lauren holds a PhD in Botany and has conducted ethnobotany research in the Andes, alongside teaching and outreach in environmental studies at the university level. Throughout her work, she repeatedly discovered that the heart of her research and teaching was not in the data or cognitive lessons alone, but in fostering deep, heart-centered connections to nature. These connections were consistently the most meaningful and impactful part of her work, both for environmental sustainability and human wellbeing.

While teaching forest bathing concepts to college students, Lauren realized she wanted to move from teaching about the practice to guiding it directly. When she learned about the ANFT, she knew immediately that becoming a certified guide was her next step. She then co-founded Lilac Nature Connection with a close colleague, distilling years of research, teaching, and experience into the practices that matter most to her.

Lauren brings forest bathing to people of all ages, from young children to elders, with a particular tenderness for college students, for whom this practice can cultivate self-care, presence, and a lifelong ethic of environmental stewardship at a time that they are both particularly receptive and in need. She is deeply grateful to all her teachers throughout this journey, including farmers, children, skunk cabbage, her ANFT trainers, and many others.