In the wake of increasingly frequent wildfires and extreme weather events across the American West, the landscape often faces a devastating "double jeopardy." First, the immediate destruction of the habitat, and second, the subsequent invasion of non-native species that thrive in scorched earth. To combat this, the Seeds of Success (SOS) program, a massive multi-agency effort, seeks to stabilize these ecosystems using the only tool perfectly adapted for the job: native seeds.
At the heart of this mission is American Conservation Experience (ACE). By providing the specialized labor and rapid mobilization necessary to meet the Department of the Interior’s (DOI) ambitious goals, ACE has become a cornerstone of the SOS project, particularly across the rugged terrains. ACE has collected seeds at Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Grand Canyon, along with many other notable sites.
A Model of Interagency Synergy
The SOS project is unique not just for its goal, but for its scale. In 2025, the DOI partnered with ACE for a second consecutive year to launch a massive seed collection effort. What makes this collaboration stand out is the "interagency" nature of the work.
Deep within the southeast corner of Georgia lies a landscape unlike any other: the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Spanning hundreds of thousands of acres, this prehistoric blackwater swamp is a labyrinth of peat bogs, cypress forests, and winding "prairies". Since 2021, American Conservation Experience (ACE) has been a proud partner of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) at Okefenokee, deploying two to three EPIC individual placement members (interns) annually to support vital missions in biology, visitor services, and maintenance.
While many conservation projects focus on terrestrial landscapes, the work at Okefenokee offers a truly unique aquatic challenge. For the EPIC interns stationed here, the "office" isn’t just outdoors - it’s often on the water.
A Partnership Built on Collaboration
The success of the ACE-FWS partnership at Okefenokee is rooted in professional development. Following initial training by the refuge staff, ACE’s EPIC participants are well positioned to apply specialized skills required to navigate and maintain such a complex ecosystem.
Once trained, these EPIC interns transition from learners to essential stewards, independently managing critical tasks that keep the refuge operational. This mentorship-first approach allows young professionals to gain hands-on experience with land management agencies while networking directly with FWS experts.
Life on the Water Trails
The Okefenokee NWR is world-renowned for its water trail system, which provides approximately 120 miles of canoe and boat trails for public exploration. Keeping these trails open is a monumental task that the refuge staff admits would be nearly impossible without the dedicated help of the ACE team.
Unlike traditional trail work that involves shovels and Pulaskis, maintenance here is largely boat-based. EPIC interns spend their days:
- Clearing Navigation Routes: Trimming brush and removing debris such as floating or submerged logs, fallen trees, and vegetation to keep the 120-mile trail system safe for paddlers.
- Managing Peat "Blowups": Addressing the unique swamp phenomenon where masses of peat rise to the surface and block water navigation.
- Maintaining Remote Infrastructure: Monitoring and repairing 11 overnight and day-use platforms, as well as a remote overnight cabin located deep within the swamp.
- Signage and Marking: Installing and repairing trail markers and signs that are essential for navigation in a landscape where every turn can look the same to the untrained eye.
Beyond the Boat: A Wide Range of Skillsets
While the water trails are a highlight, the scope of work for EPIC interns at Okefenokee is remarkably broad. To sustain the refuge’s varied habitats and facilities, they engage in a wide array of technical tasks:
- Infrastructure Care: EPIC interns perform essential maintenance on 12 composting toilets along the water trails, which involves complex logistics like transporting sewage by boat for proper disposal.
- Bridge and Road Work: The team trims brush and removes debris around 21 refuge bridges and assists with mowing upland trails, kiosks, and roads.
- Technical Skill Building: EPIC interns gain proficiency in operating and maintaining a diverse fleet of equipment, including outboard motors, aquatic trail cutters, agriculture tractors, skid steers, and backhoes.
Facing the Elements
Working in the Okefenokee is not for the faint of heart. It is a rugged environment where EPIC interns must be prepared for extreme heat, biting insects, and encounters with the swamp’s famous residents, including alligators and other potentially dangerous wildlife.
Operating on a four-day, ten-hour shift schedule, they often start their days at 6:30 am to beat the Georgia heat. This demanding schedule fosters a sense of resilience and teamwork, as EPIC interns work alongside FWS staff and volunteer groups to preserve one of America’s most pristine wilderness areas.
Promoting Conservation Excellence
The collaboration between ACE and the Okefenokee NWR Complex is a shining example of how conservation corps can provide essential "boots-on-the-ground" support to federal agencies. By taking on the heavy lifting of trail maintenance and facility care, EPIC interns support FWS staff and ensure that the public can continue to experience the wild beauty of the swamp safely.
ACE is proud to contribute to the sustainability of the Okefenokee NWR and supporting young adults who experience a masterclass in stewardship, technical skill, and the vital importance of preserving our National Wildlife Refuges.