Born in Pittsburgh, Lavender began falling in love with trails and the outdoors as a high school volunteer for the Student Conservation Association. After graduating from Chatham University with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Policy and studying under the Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator with the City of Pittsburgh Planning Department in 2009, Lavender developed a passion for building and advocating for interconnected trail networks and supporting walkable and bikeable infrastructure development. Lavender has worked in a variety of fields ranging from environmental education, small business development, farming, permaculture, conservation and community organizing around health, equity, and the arts. They hope to bring that experience to Friends as the Trail Experience Coordinator- holistically working to improve your trail experience! Lavender is excited to join Friends in building a Trail Ambassador program so that residents can get more involved in shaping the future of the Three Rivers Heritage Trails to best reflect our region’s diverse and incredible community members and history. Lavender hopes to do this with fellow community members through fun, creative, social programming, trail-side natural resource development, supporting local businesses, updating and improving interpretive and historical signage, and trail art!