American Conservation Experience - Flagstaff, Arizona

Milo Henderson (goodluck milo)

ACE is an absolutely amazing organization to be a part of, everyone is friendly, leadership is strong and well-defined, and the work is incredibly satisfying. Safety and professionalism with the public are top priorities. Housing is free and shared, in an excellent location in Flagstaff, and food is never a problem because of various member benefits and local relationships. I absolutely love everyone I work with, all my fellow members, my ATL, and my crew leader. I really feel like I'm learning a lot, and being a part of these projects on a national and local scale is an amazing feeling. Plus- I get to camp and work and have my lunches in one of the most beautiful places on earth ?.

Allan

I have only positive things to say about ACE.

Currently on the tail-end of a 6 month service term with the American Conservation Experience. To which, I have found, to be a very enriching and rewarding work/life experience.

Every staff member I have met/worked along side (as well as former ACEers and project partners) have been very professional, friendly and courteous. It is evident that everyone takes a proactive approach while conducting their day-to-day.

Always emphasizing a community based environment. One that has pure intentions towards conservation work, while aiming to encompass all walks of life in order to achieve something greater than ourselves.

Truly a fantastic program for exploring our nation's third spaces. Outdoor recreation is such a great way to unwind and reconnect, to rediscover a sense of authenticity that can only be found miles down a trail.

I will certainly be returning for another conservation term in the near future. :))
I implore anyone who has even a inkling of passion for our national parks systems or environmental stewardship to do the same.

There are so many great opportunities all around the county, and even more amazing people organizing / contributing towards the conservation effort.

Here's to 20 years!

Cheers,
- Allan

TeAna Boone

ACE is awesome dude. Coming from a young individual not yet in college, this program is a wonderful way to get you started. Whether that being obtaining knowledge and the eduction award to spring you towards your schooling or first hand conservation experience to forward you towards your future career. It has been lovely providing good work for the environment like removing invasive species, maintaining trails that the public uses, and even surveying for native wildlife creatures that our partners want to check up on. This experience has shown me a wonderful transaction between human beings and the living energy of the Earth. I am so glad I signed up and so glad that I renewed myself for another term! I signed up thinking I would only stay for 3 months and now I am an assistant team lead 🙂 Thank you ACE for real, it’s been a blast so far!

David Rodríguez-Sosa

ACE for me was truly life-changing. My college years were cut short due to Covid and were otherwise unremarkable before that. ACE is everything I hoped to get out of my college experience: interesting roommates, practical skills, regular schedules and exercise, and a strong resume.

I had never worked in conservation before but I quickly gained skills in trail maintenance, drilling, roof repair, plant species identification, herbicide use, seed collection, and some backcountry experience. Crew leads were very helpful in providing feedback and tips to grow in this field.

I was able to work with a variety of young people from all over the country. Everyone has unique personalities and you’re guaranteed to make friends in housing or on the trail. Though there are people who can be irritating, they are few and far between, but also expected when you have so many people at one time.

You get to travel across the Southwest, sometimes to places you’ve never even heard of! Most of the time is spent camping and tents are provided. Almost all other supplies you need to acquire yourself. At the end of the day, food is provided and cooked by your crew. Breakfast is optional for a lot of folk but there are a few options to pack lunches. They are extremely accommodating for allergies, even the most niche ones.

As an AmeriCorps program, the pay (really a stipend) isn’t great but I knew that coming in. My decision to join ACE was more to develop professionally. If you are looking to enter the world of conservation or work with related agencies, then this is the right place for you!

Alana Terry

I had such a great experience with ACE this summer! We worked in Grand Teton National Park, and I had the privilege of being able to work with some of the best crew leaders ever. I loved getting to work on projects all throughout the park, and the collaborators through NPS were fantastic and welcoming the entire time. I was also grateful to have met so many amazing people and created so many memories both during work days and our off-days. Overall, highly recommend this experience, and I will be looking to do another hitch in the future!!

Hope Donnellan

I've been at ACE for 3 months now, and it's been a great experience. The office and staff are very organized and offer more support than you could ask for, and Flagstaff, AZ is a wonderful, walkable city to explore during our off days. The work itself is challenging, but the positive atmosphere and kindness of the other crew members and leaders make it worth the challenge. I've learned a lot about maintaining trails, using various tools and equipment, and identifying native and invasive species. Additionally, I've been able to travel to areas around the southwest that I've never been to before and have conversations with our project partners that help me get a better understanding of what it's like to work in the conservation field. Overall, it's been a positive experience and I'd recommend anyone interested in working outdoors to check it out.

Maria Quiroz

I've had a wonderful experience with ACE. I'm grateful to be able to work at some unbelievably beautiful locations with unbelievably incredible people. It's definitely not always a walk in the park (haha, get it), but the overall experiences you gain make bearing the lowest of days worth it. Overall, highly recommend SWA ACE to anyone wanting to go into conservation or try something new.

Daniel Gonzalez

ACE has been absolutely incredible and I cannot wait to see what else it has in store!!