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American Conservation Experience

Flagstaff, AZ · EIN 371473291 · Form 990 · FY2022 · NTEE C19 · Environment · Large ($10M-$50M) · www.usaconservation.org
revenue
$31.1M
expenses
$32.4M
net assets
$5.5M
employees
1,624
volunteers
1,806
program ratio
88%
filing since
2020
mission · from form 990

TO PROVIDE REWARDING ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES THAT HARNESS THE IDEALISM AND ENERGY OF A VOLUNTEER LABOR FORCE TO HELP RESTORE AMERICA'S PUBLIC LANDS.

profile · synthesized from sources

American Conservation Experience (ACE) is an operational organization that engages young adults and veterans in conservation efforts across US public lands. They provide hands-on environmental stewardship, disaster response, and cultural resource preservation projects. ACE also offers internships and professional development opportunities to foster the next generation of conservation leaders.

named programs · 8 · from sources

what they call their work

Crew Program
Field crews conducting trail restoration, invasive species removal, habitat improvement, and disaster recovery projects across public lands
Cultural Resource Preservation
Projects aimed at preserving historical sites and cultural landscapes, such as Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park.
Disaster Recovery
Mobilizes crews for post-disaster recovery efforts, such as clearing debris and rebuilding infrastructure in affected communities.
Disaster Response
Deploying crews for post-disaster recovery including chainsaw work, debris removal, and infrastructure repair after events like Hurricane Helene
EPIC (Emerging Professionals In Conservation)
Individual placement and internship program placing members with federal agencies like USFWS, BLM, and NPS for conservation roles
EPIC (Emerging Professionals In Conservation) Program
Internship and individual placement program for young adults to gain experience with federal agencies like US Fish and Wildlife Service, BLM, and NPS.
Seeds of Success Initiative
Collecting native seeds to restore landscapes impacted by wildfires and extreme weather events in partnership with federal agencies
Trail Restoration
Projects focused on rebuilding and maintaining trails in national parks and public lands to enhance accessibility and preserve natural areas.
activities · 13

what they do

direct service · 6
  • Conservation Crew Program Conservation Crew Field Projects
    Operates team-based conservation crews that conduct on-the-ground projects including habitat restoration, trail construction and maintenance, wildfire mitigation, historic preservation, and disaster response across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Crews are provided with housing, food, transportation, equipment, PPE, and professional supervision.
  • Conservation Crew Programs
    Operates conservation crew programs across all 50 states and U.S. territories, engaging young adults in team-based conservation projects. These projects include habitat restoration, trail construction and maintenance, reforestation, forest thinning, invasive species removal, historic preservation, and disaster response, with crews receiving housing, food, transportation, and a living allowance.
  • Conservation Crew Programs Conservation Crew Field Projects
    Operates team-based conservation crew programs across all 50 states and U.S. territories, engaging thousands of young adults in projects on public lands. These projects include habitat and ecological restoration, trail maintenance and construction, reforestation, forest thinning, invasive species removal, historic preservation, and disaster response and mitigation. Crew members receive housing, food, transportation to worksites, a living allowance, training, and safety equipment.
  • Individual Conservation Internships and Fellowships Conservation Internships and Fellowships
    Provides paid, year-round individual conservation internships and fellowships lasting 3-12 months across all 50 states and U.S. territories. These placements offer hands-on experience in natural and cultural resource management, including land and resource management, environmental education, and wildlife monitoring, under agency mentorship, with participants receiving living allowances, and sometimes housing, training, and relocation support.
  • Individual Conservation Internships and Fellowships (EPIC Program) Conservation Internships and Fellowships
    Places emerging professionals and recent graduates in paid, year-round internships and fellowships lasting 3–12 months with federal agencies and public land managers across the U.S. Participants gain hands-on experience in natural and cultural resource management, supported by living allowances, training, gear, and sometimes housing or travel assistance.
  • Team-Based Conservation Crew Programs Conservation Crew Field Projects
    Operates team-based conservation crew programs across all 50 states and U.S. territories, engaging thousands of young adults in conservation projects on public lands. These projects include habitat and ecological restoration, trail maintenance and construction, wildfire mitigation, invasive species removal, historic preservation, and disaster response. Crew members receive housing, food, transportation to worksites, a living allowance, training, and safety equipment.
research · 4
  • Conservation Research and Monitoring Wildlife Monitoring & Community Science
    Conducts research and monitoring activities, such as monitoring the spatial ecology of near-threatened lizard species in the desert of El Centro, California, in collaboration with the Bureau of Land Management.
  • Conservation Research and Monitoring Projects Wildlife Monitoring & Community Science
    Conducts field research and ecological monitoring in partnership with agencies such as the Bureau of Land Management, including studies on near-threatened lizard species in California and wildlife monitoring efforts for desert tortoises, fish, and sea turtles.
  • Ecological Monitoring and Research Wildlife Monitoring & Community Science
    Conducts monitoring of spatial ecology for near-threatened species, such as lizards, in collaboration with land management agencies.
  • Ecological Research and Monitoring Wildlife Monitoring & Community Science
    Conducts monitoring of wildlife, such as the spatial ecology of near-threatened lizard species, and supports surveying efforts for various wildlife including desert tortoises, fish, and sea turtles, often in collaboration with land management agencies.
capacity building · 3
  • Capacity Building for Emerging Conservation Professionals Conservation Internships and Fellowships
    Supports career development in conservation through the Emerging Professionals in Conservation (EPIC) program, offering mentorship from federal agency staff, eligibility for AmeriCorps education awards, and support for recruitment, onboarding, and service-term management. Regional hubs in AZ, CA, UT, NC, and PR facilitate nationwide placements.
  • Host Site Support for Conservation Programs Conservation Skills Training & Workforce Development
    Provides support to host sites by promoting positions, assisting with recruitment, hiring, and onboarding, and offering ongoing support for participants during their term of service in conservation programs.
  • Individual Conservation Internships and Fellowships Conservation Crew Field Projects
    Provides paid, individual conservation internships and fellowships lasting 3-12 months across all 50 states and U.S. territories. These placements offer hands-on experience in natural and cultural resource management, including habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, GIS support, and historic preservation, often with federal agencies and under agency mentorship. Participants receive a living allowance, and some positions include housing, travel assistance, and eligibility for AmeriCorps education awards or federal hiring preference.
strategies · 19

how they think

Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any approach shared with other orgs to see the full field.

  • Adaptive and Turnkey Project Implementation adaptive_project_planning unique to this org
    ACE emphasizes flexibility and adaptability in program design to accommodate changing conditions and partner needs. They utilize a turnkey, team-based model for efficient project delivery and streamline implementation, supported by expert-led technical support and consulting for complex projects.
  • Adaptive and Turnkey Project Implementation adaptive_project_planning unique to this org
    ACE emphasizes flexibility and adaptability in program design to accommodate changing conditions and partner needs. They utilize a turnkey, team-based model and deploy subject matter experts to efficiently deliver conservation projects, streamline implementation, and provide technical support and consulting services for complex projects.
  • Collaborative and adaptive program implementation adaptive_project_planning unique to this org
    Customizes recruitment and project planning in partnership with agencies and adapts to changing environmental and operational conditions to ensure effective delivery of conservation outcomes.
  • Experiential learning model for conservation careers experiential_learning_for_conservation_careers unique to this org
    Uses hands-on, crew-based and individual project work in trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and wildlife monitoring to provide career exploration and skill development in conservation, regardless of prior experience.
  • Expert-led technical support for complex projects expert-led technical support and consulting unique to this org
    Deploys subject matter experts through the Solutions Team to provide technical consulting, support complex conservation initiatives, and strengthen coordination between field crews and agency partners.
  • Inclusive Experiential Learning for Conservation Crews crew_based_experiential_learning unique to this org
    ACE employs a crew-based, experiential learning model that recruits individuals regardless of prior outdoor experience, providing training and hands-on conservation work in areas like trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and wildlife monitoring. This approach emphasizes flexibility, adaptability, and on-the-job training to develop practical skills and support career exploration in land and resource management.
  • Inclusive Recruitment and On-the-Job Training for Conservation Crews inclusive_recruitment_on_the_job_training unique to this org
    ACE recruits crew members without requiring prior outdoor experience, providing comprehensive training regardless of their background. This approach emphasizes flexibility, realistic expectations, and a willingness to learn, ensuring that individuals from diverse backgrounds can gain practical skills and contribute to conservation efforts through a learning-while-working model.
  • Individual Placement Internships for Conservation Career Development individual_placement_internships unique to this org
    ACE utilizes individual placement internships, often mentor-guided, to provide hands-on experience, skill development, and professional networking opportunities within public land management and conservation fields. This model bridges academic or prior experience with professional development, supporting both emerging professionals and the delivery of conservation projects for partner agencies.
  • Individual Placement Internships for Conservation Career Development individual_placement_internships unique to this org
    ACE utilizes individual placement internships, often mentor-guided, to provide hands-on experience, skill development, and professional networking opportunities within public land management and conservation fields. This model bridges academic or prior experience with professional development, supporting both emerging professionals and the delivery of conservation projects.
  • Individual placement internships with mentorship for conservation workforce development individual_placement_internships unique to this org
    Places emerging professionals in individual, mentor-guided internships with federal and local land management agencies to build practical skills, advance conservation objectives, and create pathways to careers in public land management.
  • Mentorship-Based Professional Development with Agency Partners mentorship-based_professional_development unique to this org
    ACE fosters professional capacity in conservation by pairing emerging professionals with federal and local agency mentors. This model provides real-world experience on specialized, high-impact resource management projects, supporting career development and advancing partner conservation objectives.
  • Mentorship-Based Professional Development with Agency Partners mentorship_based_professional_development unique to this org
    ACE fosters professional capacity in conservation by pairing emerging professionals with federal and local agency mentors. This model allows participants to gain specialized, high-impact resource management experience and supports the development of future public lands professionals through real-world projects and guidance.
  • National youth engagement in conservation service national youth conservation corps unique to this org
    Engages young adults across the country in hands-on conservation service, expanding access to career pathways and supporting large-scale stewardship of public lands.
  • Responsive Ecological Restoration and Infrastructure Improvement ecological_restoration unique to this org
    ACE deploys conservation members and teams to address critical environmental needs, including post-disturbance ecological restoration (e.g., post-wildfire habitat recovery, invasive species prevention), and the improvement of public land accessibility through trail and infrastructure restoration. This also extends to supporting wildlife biology and species reintroduction in sensitive ecosystems.
  • Specialized ecological and infrastructure restoration post-disturbance_ecological_restoration unique to this org
    Deploys conservation professionals to restore post-disturbance ecosystems, improve public land accessibility, and support species recovery in sensitive environments, including islands and fire-affected areas.
  • Targeted Ecological Restoration for Public Lands ecological_restoration unique to this org
    ACE deploys conservation members to address specific ecological challenges on public lands, including post-disturbance habitat restoration, invasive species prevention, improvement of public land accessibility through infrastructure restoration, and supporting wildlife biology and species reintroduction in sensitive ecosystems.
  • Targeted Ecological Restoration for Public Lands ecological_restoration unique to this org
    ACE deploys conservation members to address specific ecological challenges on public lands, including post-disturbance habitat restoration, invasive species prevention, improvement of public land accessibility through infrastructure restoration, and supporting wildlife biology and species reintroduction efforts in sensitive ecosystems.
  • Turnkey and Expert-Led Project Implementation turnkey_project_management unique to this org
    ACE utilizes a turnkey, team-based model for efficient project delivery and offers expert-led technical support and consulting through its Solutions Team. This approach streamlines project implementation, provides specialized assistance for complex projects, and acts as a liaison between crews and partners.
  • Turnkey team-based project delivery turnkey_team-based_model unique to this org
    Uses a crew-based, turnkey model to efficiently implement conservation projects, reducing administrative burden on partners and accelerating on-the-ground impact.
financials · form 990 · fy2022

the money

revenue
Total revenue$31.07M
Contributions & grants$30.85M99%
Program service revenue$00%
Investment income$47K0%
Other revenue$168K
expenses
Total expenses$32.43M
Program expenses88%
Admin / overhead12%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$22.69M
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$10.94M
Cash$1.37M
Investments$0
Liabilities$5.42M
Net assets$5.52M
Liquid reserves0.5 mo
3 years on record · 2020–2022 · YoY revenue +12.5%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2022

who runs it

paid leadership · 5
NameTitleHours/wkCompensation
Laura Herrin President/CEO 40 $199K
Laura Craig CFO 40 $146K
RAFAEL ROSA CHIEF PROG OFF 40 $137K
ALEX TREMBLE CCO 40 $133K
CHRISTOPHER JACKSON COEAP 40 $116K
board members · 7
  • Gail Adams — Director
  • Jeanne Wade Evans — Director
  • Robert Coates — Director
  • SCOTT SPRINGER — Director
  • Sarah Miggins — Director
  • Shayne Miller — Chairman
  • TREVOR PEARSON — Director
relationships · 32

who they work with

  • Acadia National Park Partner — Location for ACE-led engineering and infrastructure improvement projects.
  • AmeriCorps Government — Provides education awards for participants in select ACE positions.
  • BLM Partner — Provides mentors for participants in ACE's Emerging Professionals in Conservation (EPIC) program.
  • Bureau of Land Management Partner — Collaborates with ACE EPIC to place interns in land and resource management roles across western U.S. public lands.
  • Bureau of Land Management Partner — Collaborates with ACE on conservation projects and provides mentorship to crew members.
  • Bureau of Land Management Partner — Collaborates with ACE on conservation projects including lizard demographics surveys and natural area restoration.
  • Bureau of Land Management Partner — Hosts ACE EPIC conservation interns and fellows through agency mentorship.
  • Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Partner — Existing partnership expanded through the opening of ACE Eastern’s office in Asheville, NC
  • Federal land management agencies Partner — ACE has significantly increased programming partnerships with federal land management agencies.
  • Grand Teton National Park Partner — Location of ACE invasive species removal projects.
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park Partner — Existing partnership expanded through the opening of ACE Eastern’s office in Asheville, NC
  • Joshua Tree National Park Partner — Site of ACE trail restoration efforts in the Cholla Cactus Garden.
  • NPS Historic Preservation Training Center Partner — Partners with ACE to offer the Traditional Trades Advancement Program and Build Up Technical Internships.
  • National Park Service Partner — Collaborates with ACE EPIC to host conservation interns and fellows.
  • National Park Service Partner — Collaborates with ACE on conservation projects and provides mentorship to crew members.
  • National Park Service Partner — Collaborates with ACE to provide internships and support preservation of natural and cultural resources.
  • National Park Service Partner — Partner agency with which ACE aligns volunteer opportunities and public lands service.
  • National Park Service Partner — Partners with ACE on trail restoration, engineering, and invasive species management in multiple national parks.
  • National Park Service Partner — Provides mentors for participants in ACE's Emerging Professionals in Conservation (EPIC) program.
  • Nonprofit organizations Partner — ACE collaborates with dozens of nonprofit organizations on conservation initiatives.
  • Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park Partner — Site for ACE conservation and preservation work.
  • Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument Partner — Site of ACE-supported wildlife biology work with USFWS.
  • State and municipal agencies Partner — ACE partners with dozens of state and municipal agencies on conservation programming.
  • U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Partner — Collaborates on the EPIC internship and fellowship program to provide individual placements in conservation fields.
  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Partner — Hosts ACE EPIC program members in wildlife biology and refuge support roles.
  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Partner — Partners with ACE EPIC to provide hands-on conservation internship opportunities.
  • U.S. Forest Service Partner — Collaborates with ACE EPIC to offer conservation-focused internships and fellowships.
  • U.S. Forest Service Partner — Collaborates with ACE to place interns in federal land management roles across multiple disciplines.
  • US Fish and Wildlife Service Partner — Collaborates with ACE on conservation projects and provides mentorship to crew members.
  • US Forest Service Partner — Collaborates with ACE on conservation projects and provides mentorship to crew members.
+ 2 more