Lauren Doepke, Founder

Since her childhood, Lauren has maintained a love and passion for the outdoors. Though she grew up in the city, her parents ensured her exposure to nature. Weeks long road trips to National Parks, camping out of the family minivan, attending Cincinnati Parks camps, and exploring the gardens her parents cultivated around her childhood home built within her a sense of wonder and curiosity. How did nature work? Why did it work that way?

This curiosity transformed into a strong sense of responsibility. As Lauren learned about the seemingly insurmountable challenges the natural world faced, she understood the fragility of Earth’s ecosystems and wanted to protect them. Lauren helped found a sustainability program at her high school, before pursuing a B.A. in Environmental Earth Science and Sustainability from Miami University. She is currently completing her Master of Environmental Science while working on environmental policy in Washington, DC.

However, Lauren believes the heart of environmental solution building is education. She thoroughly believes that people are only likely to save what they care about, and too many individuals are disconnected from nature, whether due to cost, time, energy, infrastructural, or transportation barriers. Through Urban Detour Adventures, Lauren seeks to expand access to and education on the outdoors, encouraging a sense of community in and connection to the environment.

Lauren has been to all 50 states, 11 of Canada’s 13 provinces, and over half of the U.S. National Parks. Her favorite outdoor activities include hiking, backpacking, skiing, kayaking, caving, and camping. She has two cats, Poe and Spooky, and her favorite season is fall.