Empowering Pathways Into Conservation

Empowering Pathways Into Conservation (EPIC) is a program designed to connect young people interested in conservation careers with natural resource professionals at the DNR and similar organizations. Through field experiences, hands-on training, career panels, and more, EPIC participants have a chance to see the variety and excitement of careers available within the natural resources field. This program runs during the summer months in partnership with the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board and the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization Green Team.

If you’re interested in learning more, contact Benjamin Gieseke, Wildlife Education Coordinator, at Benjamin.gieseke@state.mn.us, or 651-259-5091.  

A group of young people sitting around a table with birding cards in front of them
A young person holding up a kestrel chick
A group of young people birding in a neighborhood

Above, from left: A group of EPIC participants (previously called Birding and Outdoor Leadership Development leaders) planning a birding event; an EPIC leader holding an American kestrel and learning about how to band raptor; a group of EPIC participants birding in their neighborhood.

Additional conservation career resources 
Don’t have time to be an EPIC participant? No problem! There are other great resources for learning more about a career in conservation:

Nature ID apps
Natural areas to know

the logo for the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, which is two cartoon loons against a blue background Funding for this program was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) and the MN DNR’s Nongame Wildlife Program. 

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