Confluence of Young Conservation Leaders

The first CYCL event was held in Kansas City, Missouri in 2017. Representatives from each state presented and discussed the framework and intricacies of their respective youth conservation leadership development programs and the challenges and experiences each has had in creating, funding, and managing said programs. Current youth programs assisted other states in developing their own youth leadership programs. Participants discussed broad-themed conservation issues and how these issues affect states in different ways, including public land policies, water, inclusion, and diversity.

CYCL was established for a much larger and broader network of youth conservation organizations for the purpose of broadening the efficacy of existing groups and the inclusion of new organizations for the future. Building a nationwide youth conservation community proves that working together leads to reaching our goals more efficiently. Many small voices are great, but when we come together, we can be greater as one larger voice. Know that these youth are going to be our future leaders in conservation and will help make a difference. We can’t stop now. Future generations depend on us.

CYCL 2019 worked to continue leadership development and involvement within the nation’s conservation efforts by focusing on the successes and challenges of water quality and use in the United States. Through field experiences at parks and ranches in the Austin, Texas area, students explored concepts such as water use, rainfall interception, and stewardship. They also engaged in hands-on sampling of streams, rivers, and creeks for macroinvertebrates, learning how these organisms can reveal important information about the health of a watershed. Students examined how stormwater runoff moves through a watershed before settling into lower drainage areas, reinforcing their understanding of interconnected water systems.

In addition to fieldwork, students developed leadership skills through discussions about the budgeting and scale of conservation projects, as well as conversations centered on teaching conservation through leadership. These experiences helped students better understand what effective conservation looks like across different contexts and how leadership plays a role in advancing those efforts.

At its core, the convention focused on fostering leadership among conservation-minded youth while promoting the development of programs in more states. Through open discussion and collaboration, participants explored ways to improve existing programs and ensure long-term impact. The gathering also reinforced the importance of staying connected beyond the event, encouraging the growth of a nationwide network dedicated to sharing leadership strategies and conservation solutions.

In addition to these site visits, the convention emphasized dialogue and leadership development. Youth participants were given opportunities to discuss pressing conservation issues, exchange ideas, and develop strategies for leading initiatives within their own communities. These conversations were central to the event's mission of empowering the next generation of conservation leaders.

A key focus of the event was water conservation and sustainability. Attendees visited the Edwards Aquifer Authority's Education Outreach Center, where they learned about the importance of the Edwards Aquifer and efforts to protect this essential groundwater resource. This learning extended to the EAA Field Research Park, a 151-acre site dedicated to studying how land management and soil restoration practices can improve water retention and support long-term groundwater sustainability.

Participants also explored Phil Hardberger Park, a 330-acre urban natural area that balances recreation with wildlife conservation. With shaded trails and the innovative Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge reconnecting habitats across a major roadway, the park provided a refreshing and educational outdoor experience.

Beyond environmental learning, CYCL 2024 fostered connection through engaging activities such as a night hike and yard games, creating space for relaxation and community-building. Professional development sessions further enriched the experience, covering topics such as communication, resume building, interview skills, self-advocacy, and leadership.