Dive into the heart of conservation with The American Conservation Experience podcast!
Our Hosts, Elyse Cogburn, ACE’s Partnership Development Manager, and Dave Bastian, an ACE Division Director take you behind the scenes with one of the nation's leading conservation corps. Discover the impactful work and inspiring stories of the individuals involved in preserving our national and state parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and local outdoor spaces.
Gain insights into the essential conservation projects supported by thousands of young adults every year who gain hands-on experience and professional development along the way.
Tune in to hear their stories and learn how ACE is making a tangible difference. Find us on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts!
DISASTER RESPONSE AND MITIGATION: ACE STEPS UP TO HELP COMMUNITIES
Following a natural disaster when the initial sirens fade, the long road to recovery begins. In this episode, we dive into how conservation corps like ACE are uniquely equipped for the long-haul work of disaster recovery. ACE Division Director Nikki Jones and National Director of Crew Programs Adam Scherm share how ACE has helped those in need. From the front lines of Hurricane Helene in Asheville to wildfire recovery in Hawaii and typhoon relief in Guam, discover how conservation crews pivot their specialized technical skills such as advanced chainsaw work and complex logistics to rebuild communities in crisis.
Nikki also shares what it was like to start her new role as director the very day after a devastating hurricane hit her home base. This episode shares how ACE’s capacity extends beyond chainsaws but provides a heart-first, technical approach that includes everything from setting up large donation centers to ‘muck and gut’ work for residents who want to return to their homes. ACE also helps restore natural habitats on public lands devastated by disasters.
21 Jan 2026
ACE LEADERSHIP INSIGHTS: ADVANCING SERVICE AND STEWARDSHIP
In this episode of the American Conservation Experience Podcast, host Dave Bastian sits down with ACE CEO Laura Herrin and former ACE Board Chair Sarah Miggins to discuss their journeys, their roles within ACE, and their vision for the organization. Laura and Sarah share compelling stories of the impact ACE has had on conservation efforts across the country and its unique approach to workforce development. Listeners will learn about the diverse projects ACE undertakes, its partnerships with land management organizations, and how ACE members contribute to both immediate environmental needs and long-term conservation goals. Whether you're familiar with ACE's work or learning about it for the first time, this episode offers a look at how ACE continues to foster a culture of service and environmental stewardship.
17 Dec 2025
LEADING TRANSFORMATION IN THE FIELD: A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN ACE CONSERVATION CREW
In Episode 6 of the American Conservation Experience Podcast, hosts Elyse Cogburn and Dave Bastian speak with Jordy Rhea and Lily Sporleder, two dedicated staff members from the ACE's CREW program.
Learn what it's like to lead conservation crews on intensive 8-day hitches, balancing safety, teaching new members, and experiencing transformative impact while building trails and restoring natural habitats. They paint a vibrant picture of conservation work and illustrate the profound impact of conservation efforts both on the environment and on the individuals involved, emphasizing the mental and physical growth. You’ll even learn how mules play a role in gauging the success of trail restoration!
Tune in to appreciate the hard work and passion that goes into preserving our public lands.
19 Nov 2025
INTO THE BACKCOUNTRY: BUILDING CONFIDENCE AND A LOVE FOR CONSERVATION
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.
28 Oct 2025
FINDING PURPOSE IN CONSERVATION: STORIES OF STEWARDSHIP AND CONNECTION
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.
25 Sept 2025
ADVANCING EMERGING CONSERVATION PROFESSIONALS: INSIDE ACE’S EPIC PROGRAM
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.
10 Sept 2025
THE IMPACT OF CONSERVATION CORPS: INSIDE ACE'S CREW PROGRAM
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.
4 Sept 2025
ROOTED IN SERVICE: THE LEGACY AND FUTURE OF 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.
24 Aug 2025
INTRODUCING THE AMERICAN CONSERVATION EXPERIENCE PODCAST
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 (https://www.usaconservation.org/)
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