On March 25th, Northwest Youth Corps hosted an inspiring evening in Seattle that brought members of the conservation community together for a panel discussion about the future of conservation.

The event, Evolution of Conservation Across Generations, highlighted the experiences, perspectives, and hopes of conservation leaders and NYC alumni whose work has helped shape the field. The discussion was moderated by Lee Taylor, a former NYC board member and retired Superintendent of Olympic National Park.

Panelists included Chiko Meng and Wesley Scott, both Northwest Youth Corps alumni, as well as Jon Jarvis, the 18th Director of the National Park Service. Together, they reflected on how conservation work has changed over time, the importance of creating pathways for young people, and the role service programs like Northwest Youth Corps play in preparing future leaders.

Throughout the evening, the conversation centered on the promise of the next generation. Panelists shared stories from their own careers, discussed the value of hands-on experience, and spoke about the lasting impact that conservation service can have on young people as they build skills, confidence, and direction.

The event was also an opportunity to celebrate the broader NYC community, including alumni, supporters, partners, and friends who continue to invest in young people and the places we share.

Enjoy the 12-minute highlight video to see what the night was all about!