Emerging Professionals In Conservation

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    Emerging Professionals In Conservation (EPIC) is a group of outdoor recreation enthusiasts, ages 21-40s, who connect through outdoor adventures, educational events, volunteerism, and philanthropy. EPIC membership dues directly support the work of Hill Country Conservancy, including the Violet Crown Trail, to ensure that future generations of Texans are able to enjoy the same beautiful landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities that we do!


    Become a Member

    Membership Levels


    Member Level

    $10/Month or $100/Year


    • Invitation to reserve a FREE spot at all EPIC Member experience activities, such as camping, spelunking, kayaking, and more!*
    • Invitation to all EPIC social and volunteer events, such as happy hours, outreach events, and trail cleanups

    *Equipment rental or supply fees may apply at certain events, but members always receive a discount!


    Join Now

    Leader Level

    $15/Month or $150/Year


    • All benefits of Member level, PLUS:
    • Bring a friend for FREE to the EPIC campout
    • Invitation to biannual EPIC planning meetings with members of the Leadership Council

    Join Now

    Trailblazer Level

    $25+/Month or $250+/Year


    • All benefits of Leader level, PLUS: 
    • Early registration for select EPIC events
    • Periodic email updates from HCC about the impact of your support
    • Invitations to HCC member events

    Join Now


    2022 EPIC Leadership Council


    The EPIC program is managed primarily by a volunteer leadership board: The EPIC Leadership Council. The council is made up of highly invested EPIC members vital to supporting Hill Country Conservancy’s mission. Each year, the Leadership Council develops the EPIC activities schedule, selects topics for educational happy hours, manages membership recruitment and retention, and works with Hill Country Conservancy staff to select the projects in which to invest net revenue from the EPIC program.


    Melissa Brauks
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    2022 Chair

    I support HCC so outdoor recreation and relaxation can continue for generations to come. Some of my favorite outdoor activities are camping and being on the water!

    Megan Rapp
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    I'm a native Austinite and got my bachelors in wildlife, so it's especially important to me that we continue to learn about the natural world around us and work to preserve it for generations to come. (Plus, the EPIC events are always great!)

    Jessica Hutson
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    As a climber, hiker, camper, and overall enjoyer of nature, it's very important to me to help protect our outdoor spaces. I can't think of a better way to do that than by supporting HCC and EPIC!

    Jody Richards
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    I am a born and raised Austinite but also grew up with a family ranch in the Hill Country. I loved helping my Grandfather take care of the animals and spending time exploring the land. My favorite activities that I like to do outside are hiking or going kayaking on Lady Bird Lake.

    Ryan Tietz
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    I support HCC and its mission to preserve and protect a little slice of the hill country for future generations, and to education others about sustainable development. I enjoy long walks in the woods.

    Meghan Wall
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    I love the Hill Country. I was born in Austin and raised in Marble Falls and my family have been ranchers and farmers in the Austin area since the 1880s. I want to make sure that we preserve some of these views and some of this open land for future generations to enjoy.

    2022 Events Overview


    Upcoming Events

    Giving Tuesday Lake Leap
    Philanthropy
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    November 29, 2022
    Donate Here!
    Evening Hike at Nalle
    Member Event
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    December 10, 2022
    Sign Up Now!

    Past Events


    2022 Kickoff Happy Hour
    Social Event
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    February 26, 2022
    It's My Park Day Spring
    Volunteering
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    March 5, 2022
    Tails & Trails
    Member Event
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    March 19, 2022
    VCT Rock Climbing
    Member Event
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    April 2, 2022
    Wild Texas Happy Hour
    Social Event
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    April 22, 2022
    Earth Day VCT Cleanup
    Volunteering
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    April 23, 2022
    Spring Campout
    Member Event
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    May 7-8, 2022
    Stretch & Sip
    Member Event
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    May 22, 2022
    National Trails Day Fun Run
    Informal Meetup
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    June 4, 2022
    Nalle Nature Day
    Member Event
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    June 18, 2022
    Think & Drink: Herping
    Educational Happy Hour
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    July 13, 2022
    Sunset Bat Paddle
    Member Event
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    August 11, 2022
    National Public Lands Day
    Volunteering
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    September 24, 2022
    Hill Country Nights
    Volunteering
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    September 30, 2022
    Think & Drink: Wildlife
    Educational Happy Hour
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    October 12, 2022
    Utopiafest
    Informal Meetup
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    October 15, 2022
    It's My Park Day
    Volunteering
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    November 5, 2022
    Fall Campout
    Member Event
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    November 12-13, 2022
    Lake Leap Challenge
    Philanthropy
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    Giving Tuesday 2022
    Evening Preserve Hike
    Member Event
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    DECEMBER 10, 2022

    *Note: Future events are considered tentative and dates and details are subject to change until registration opens.

    Become a Member