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.