Lael Neal

Lael Neal serves as a Trainer for TREX and brings more than two decades of experience in prescribed fire, land stewardship, and habitat restoration. Originally from the mountains of California, Lael pursued her passion for working outdoors by earning a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with minors in geology and biology from the University of Iowa. She currently works as a Natural Resources Technician with Polk County Conservation in Iowa, where she leads land management initiatives focused on prescribed fire, native habitat restoration, and ecological conservation. For the past eight years, Lael has served as Polk County Conservation’s primary Burn Boss, overseeing the planning and implementation of prescribed fire operations across diverse landscapes. She is also a dedicated instructor and mentor, helping organize and teach at the Trailblazers Academy, an all-women’s prescribed fire training program that empowers and develops the next generation of fire practitioners. Her extensive field experience, leadership, and commitment to training make her a highly valued member of the TREX instructional team.