Lauren Kurtz joined UConn Extension as an Invasive Species Outreach Specialist. She’s originally from Frankfort, Illinois, and earned her undergraduate degrees in environmental studies and geography from Western Michigan University, before coming to UConn for her masters and PhD in horticulture and plant breeding in the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture. Lauren is based in our New London County Extension Center.

What is your area of interest and how did you get interested in it?

I’m interested in ecological horticulture, which is the practice of enhancing wildlife habitat for native species in managed landscapes. I was first introduced to ecological horticulture during an internship I had with the horticulture Department at Butterfly Pavilion in Denver, Colorado. In this role, I learned the concepts of environmental restoration in an urban environment to improve wildlife habitat. I think ecological horticulture is an attainable practice that most home gardeners can understand and in doing so can make a positive impact on their local ecosystem.

What is your role with UConn Extension?

My role is outreach and education about invasive species in Connecticut, with a primary focus on aquatic invasives. I work with stakeholders including the green industry, wildlife biologists, habitat managers, foresters, municipal employees, home gardeners, farmers, open space volunteers, and others to advance awareness of and educate about management and prevention strategies for invasive species. I work closely with the Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group and the Invasive Plant Council.

What excites you the most about working with UConn Extension?

I’m most excited about collaborating with diverse groups of people including Extension professionals, other professionals, and the public. Working with different groups of people keeps it interesting and there is always an opportunity to learn how other people think. UConn Extension has a great reputation for disseminating knowledge and I’m happy to be part of that.

What is one thing you hope people will learn from you and your work?

I hope people will be inspired to continue learning about ways they can improve wildlife habitat on the land they manage, whether large or small!

What is your favorite thing to do in Connecticut?

I love to visit farm stores and farmers markets to purchase food and goods produced locally! I love blueberry, peach, and apple season. There is nothing better than fresh fruit grown nearby.

What is the most unusual job you’ve had?

I worked for a little while doing residential horticulture in Denver. Some days we would wear disposable booties over our shoes and carry gardening tools up the service elevator to the penthouse of high-end apartment buildings to water and deadhead decorative planters for rich people! Other days were less sophisticated, and we did fine gardening tasks in regular yards.

What are some of your hobbies and other interests?

I enjoy reading and my favorite authors are John Steinbeck and Michael Pollan. I like to bake and watch baking shows. I have two dogs and two cats.

Anything else you think we should know?

My career trajectory hasn’t been exactly linear. I’ve had many serendipitous opportunities to advance my career and I’m grateful for the mentors I’ve had along the way. I plan to continue my career in UConn Extension with a focus on sustainable horticulture!