Emerging Professionals in Conservation (EPIC) is an outdoors club dedicated to exploring and preserving the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country. We connect with each other and the environment through adventures, educational events, volunteerism, and philanthropy. Activities include camping trips, nature hikes, kayaking, ranch tours, educational happy hours with inspiring speakers, Violet Crown Trail cleanups, and more. Membership dues go to support Hill Country Conservancy’s projects in and around Austin, including the Violet Crown Trail. By joining EPIC, you join a network of professionals who care about keeping Austin green, love having fun in nature, and are champions for conservation.

MEMBERSHIP LEVELS:

EPIC Member ($10/month or $100/year)

Invitation to reserve a FREE* spot at all formal EPIC Member experience activities such as camping, spelunking, kayaking and more
Invitation to all informal EPIC events, such as happy hours, outreach events, and Violet Crown Trail volunteer cleanups

*Equipment rental or supply fees may apply

EPIC Leader ($25/month or $250/year) & Non-profit Employee ($15/month or $150/year)

Invitation to reserve a FREE* spot at all formal EPIC Member experience activities such as camping, spelunking, kayaking and more
Invitation to all informal EPIC events, such as happy hours, outreach events, and Violet Crown Trail volunteer cleanups
Discounted tickets or access to select Hill Country Conservancy events

Non-profit Employee pricing is offered to students, teachers, and non-profit and government employees. Proof of qualification may be requested.

*Equipment rental or supply fees may apply

EPIC Leader Level II ($45/month or $450/year)

All of the above EPIC Leader benefits, plus one additional ticket for each formal EPIC event

EPIC Sponsor ($1,000/year)

5 EPIC Member level memberships
Logo recognition as a sponsor on EPIC webpage

Join Now – Monthly Payments

Join Now – One-time Payment

Impact & History

When Hill Country Conservancy (HCC) founded the Emerging Professionals in Conservation (EPIC) program in 2008, it sought to bring land preservation into the forefront of future business and social conversations. Now, EPIC has proven to be a huge benefit both to the mission of HCC as well as to the EPIC members themselves.

With membership dues going directly to HCC projects, EPIC members have a meaningful impact on the preservation of Central Texas.

In February 2009, the EPIC Leadership Council voted to allocate the funds raised in 2008 to support a project manager for the Walk For A Day project, now known as the Violet Crown Trail project. By contributing over $20,000, EPIC has not only helped ensure that the VCT will be a well-funded, well-planned community trail, but the group has significantly contributed to a project that will enhance the community and address the challenge to provide equitable, accessible opportunities to experience open space and conservation first-hand.

For the next two years, the Leadership Council allocated membership dues to help produce HCC’s Oral Histories documentary making EPIC the primary financial supporter of the short film: Hill Country Conservancy – Here Forever. This documentary is a key marketing component that helps HCC communicate its mission in an intriguing way.

And in 2011, the funds were reserved for EPIC scholarships. Three have been awarded so far after completing an application process and our new scholarship members are bringing meaningful value to the program!

Questions about EPIC? Contact us at epic@hillcountryconservancy.org

The Strength of Texans

Fighting Fire with Fire

Poetry In Motion

Why are Trails so Important?

A message from our CEO

The Beauty of Native Grasses

Giving Tuesday

Virtual Walk-and-Talk Slaughter Lane 4/21/20

Virtual Walk-and-Talk 290 Trailhead 4/10/2020

MEMBERSHIP LEVELS: