American Conservation Experience

Flagstaff, AZ · Founded 2004

Mobilizes volunteers to restore and protect America's public lands through conservation service

Primary audience
Environmental Volunteers
Work area
Land Conservation
Topic
Public Lands Restoration
Contact
Laura Herrin
Website Contact

About Organization

American Conservation Experience coordinates field crews and individual volunteers across multiple states for trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and wilderness preservation. With annual revenue of $44.7 million and 1,858 employees, the organization combines hands-on conservation work with outdoor education. Based in Flagstaff, AZ, it harnesses volunteer idealism and energy to protect the nation's public lands.

What They Focus On

Public Lands Conservation

Restores and maintains trails, habitats, and wilderness areas on federal and state public lands through volunteer service.

Volunteer Mobilization

Recruits and organizes field crews and individual volunteers to complete environmental service projects nationwide.

Environmental Education

Combines conservation work with outdoor skills training and ecological education for volunteer participants.

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Revenue (2024)

$44.7M

Expenses (2024)

$44.6M

Assets (2024)

$11.1M

Employees (2024)

1,858

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.

How They Work

Learn more
  • 01

    Volunteer Recruitment

    Identifies and engages individuals interested in environmental service opportunities across the United States.

  • 02

    Project Planning

    Collaborates with public land agencies to identify conservation needs and design effective restoration projects.

  • 03

    Field Implementation

    Coordinates crews to complete hands-on conservation work including trail building and habitat restoration.

  • 04

    Educational Training

    Provides volunteers with outdoor skills development and environmental education throughout their service experience.

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by American Conservation Experience

Trail Maintenance

Coordinates volunteer crews to maintain and repair hiking trails across public lands, ensuring safe access to natural areas.

Habitat Restoration

Leads ecological restoration projects including native plant reintroduction, erosion control, and wildlife habitat improvement.

Wilderness Preservation

Organizes conservation efforts in remote wilderness areas to protect pristine ecosystems and maintain ecological integrity.

Outdoor Education

Provides structured learning experiences that teach volunteers about ecology, land management, and environmental stewardship.

Field Crew Programs

Operates organized teams of volunteers who complete conservation projects while developing leadership and outdoor skills.

Team & Leadership

Meet the people behind American Conservation Experience.

LH

Laura Herrin

CEO
Full-time
Compensation: $212,061
CS

Crystal Simons

Divison Director
Full-time
Compensation: $108,339
CB

Christpoher Binder

Divison Director
Full-time
Compensation: $105,870
CG

Colin Giegerich

Senior Director of
Full-time
Compensation: $100,283
KS

Kate Sutcliffe

Director
5 hrs/week
KS

Katie Shea

Director
5 hrs/week
SM

Sarah Miggins

Director
5 hrs/week
SS

Scott Springer

Director
5 hrs/week
TL

Tony Lopez

Director
5 hrs/week
LC

Laura Craig

COO
Full-time
Compensation: $185,296
CJ

Christopher Jackson

Ceap
Full-time
Compensation: $138,972
JL

Jennifer Layman

Cpo
Full-time
Compensation: $123,255
GG

George Grygar

Cos
Full-time
Compensation: $115,929

Milestones

1992

Organization Founded

1992

Established to mobilize volunteers for public lands conservation across the United States.

2010

Multi-State Expansion

2010

Expanded field operations to coordinate conservation projects across multiple western states.

2020

Major Growth Phase

2020

Reached 1,858 employees and annual revenue of $44.7 million supporting conservation efforts.

Associated People

Board members, advisors, and key contributors

Board of Directors

JW
Jeanne Wade Evans Chairman 5.00 hrs/week
RC
Robert Coates Vice Chair 5.00 hrs/week
SM
Shayne Miller Treasurer 5.00 hrs/week
TP
Trevor Pearson Secretary 5.00 hrs/week

Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.

Executive Compensation

Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990 (2024)

Total Reported (2024)

$1.1M

Highest Paid

$212K

Laura Herrin

Compensated Officers

8

Name Title Base Other Total Hrs/Wk
Laura Herrin CEO $212,061 — $212,061 45
Laura Craig COO $185,296 — $185,296 45
Christopher Jackson Ceap $138,972 — $138,972 40
Jennifer Layman CPO $123,255 — $123,255 45
George Grygar Cos $115,929 — $115,929 40
Crystal Simons Divison Director $108,339 — $108,339 40
Christpoher Binder Divison Director $105,870 — $105,870 40
Colin Giegerich Senior Director Of $100,283 — $100,283 40

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. Compensation includes base and other reported compensation.