Shows
American Conservation Experience PodcastDISASTER RESPONSE AND MITIGATION: ACE STEPS UP TO HELP COMMUNITIESFollowing 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.
2026-02-2640 min
American Conservation Experience PodcastLEADING TRANSFORMATION IN THE FIELD: A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN ACE CONSERVATION CREWIn 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 mu...
2025-12-1736 min
American Conservation Experience PodcastFINDING PURPOSE IN CONSERVATION: STORIES OF STEWARDSHIP AND CONNECTIONIn 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 Fi...
2025-10-2837 min
American Conservation Experience PodcastADVANCING EMERGING CONSERVATION PROFESSIONALS: INSIDE ACE’S EPIC PROGRAMIn 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...
2025-09-2534 min
American Conservation Experience PodcastTHE IMPACT OF CONSERVATION CORPS: INSIDE ACE'S CREW PROGRAMIn 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.
2025-09-1041 min
American Conservation Experience PodcastROOTED IN SERVICE: THE LEGACY AND FUTURE OF CONSERVATIONWelcome 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...
2025-09-0419 min
American Conservation Experience PodcastINTRODUCING THE AMERICAN CONSERVATION EXPERIENCE PODCASTOur 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 i...
2025-08-2401 min