In this episode, host Dave Bastian talks with ACE staff members Caroline Canter and Keean Ruane—who share their backgrounds in guiding young adults into the backcountry and watching them transform through these experiences.

Together, they explore what makes backcountry hitches such uniquely powerful experiences. From the joy of living immersed in wild places to the personal breakthroughs that happen miles from the trailhead, Caroline and Keean share stories of resilience, confidence-building, and unforgettable wilderness moments—including wildlife encounters, personal transformations, and the camaraderie that makes conservation culture so meaningful.

And for anyone considering their first step into the outdoors, the episode offers practical, beginner-friendly backpacking tips—from choosing the right gear and managing pack weight to staying comfortable in challenging environments. Caroline and Keean share the guidance they give new ACE members and students, including the small skills and mindset shifts that make backcountry travel accessible to anyone.

Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker, an aspiring ACE member, or simply curious about what life looks like behind the scenes on a conservation crew, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and inspiration from people who have lived it.

In this episode of American Conservation Experience, host Elyse Cogburn explores the power of conservation and community with guests Silas Patten and Ellen Bley. Together, they reflect on how caring for public lands is more than a career—it’s a shared calling to make an impact on the outdoor spaces that mean so much to us all.

Silas, an ACE EPIC member serving with the Bureau of Land Management, shares his transition from a degree in communication to a career in conservation, and his experiences working with a state-based conservation corps and the US Fish and Wildlife Services. Ellen Bley, ACE Fish and Wildlife Division Director, provides insights into her rewarding career in helping to inspire the next generation of conservation stewards.

From fieldwork to mentorship, Silas and Ellen share how everyday actions—whether volunteering locally or joining a conservation program—can create lasting change. Their stories remind us that conservation is not just about protecting nature; it’s about belonging to something larger than ourselves.

Tune in for an inspiring discussion that celebrates curiosity, resilience, and the many ways we can all contribute to the future of our shared lands.

In this episode of American Conservation Experience, hosts Elyse Cogburn and Dave Bastian talk about the ACE EPIC program's impact with alumni Evan Williams and Jeanine Hasty. Evan shares his journey from a naturalist at Delaware State Parks to his role as the Expeditions Director at UrbanPromise, emphasizing the joy and opportunities in outdoor recreation and conservation. Jeanine discusses her transition from ACE Member to interning with ACE's communications team, and how this experience led to landing her current role with a marketing agency. The episode highlights the diverse career paths and skills fostered by the EPIC program, stressing the importance of public lands and conservation work. The conversation also touches on memorable wildlife encounters, favorite outdoor spaces, and the future of conservation.

In this episode of the American Conservation Experience, host Elyse Cogburn discusses ACE's Crew Program with Adam Scherm, ACE's National Director of Crew Programs, and Kate Sutcliffe, ACE alumna and board member. They delve into the structure and operations of conservation crews, the diverse environmental projects undertaken, and the personal growth and career paths inspired by participation in ACE.

The episode highlights the critical role conservation crews play in supporting land management and facilitating public access to natural spaces, and it stresses the importance of resilience, teamwork, and passion for conservation.

Welcome to the first episode of the American Conservation Experience (ACE) podcast. Join your hosts, staff members Elyse Cogburn and Dave Bastian, as they introduce you to our organization, its mission, and the incredible work our corps members do on public lands across the country.

In this episode, we'll dive into the origins of ACE, founded in Flagstaff, Arizona, in 2004, as well as the overall corps movement. The episode also highlights the two key programs that define our work: the CREW program, which focuses on meaningful hands-on conservation projects like trail building and habitat restoration, and the EPIC program, which helps emerging professionals build careers through specialized internships with leading agencies.

You'll get a glimpse into how our corps members and staff work alongside partners like the National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management to protect and restore America's natural and cultural resources. We'll also set the stage for future episodes, where you'll hear directly from the alumni, current members, and others who are shaping the future of conservation, one project at a time.

Our national parks, forests, and public lands are more than just iconic American landscapes—they’re part of our country’s legacy and require care and attention for future generations. Across the country, hard-working young adults are stepping up to lend a hand.

In this podcast, hosts Dave Bastian and Elyse Cogburn take you into the field with American Conservation Experience (ACE), a leading nonprofit conservation corps where emerging professionals tackle real-world projects that improve trails, restore public lands, and create resilient habitats benefiting our shared outdoor spaces.

Tune in to hear inspiring stories of how ACE empowers the next generation, building crucial hands-on skills, strengthening communities, and ensuring our shared outdoor spaces thrive for all to enjoy.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode.

Episode One drops on September 4th.

To learn more about ACE, visit usaconservation.org