Louisiana’s next generation of conservation leaders is taking shape through the Louisiana Wildlife Federation’s Edgar Veillon Conservation Leadership Corps (EV-CLC), which gives young advocates a framework to turn their passion into action.
For nearly a decade, the EV-CLC has brought together diverse groups of college students, giving them a deep understanding of Louisiana’s conservation challenges and a chance to connect with experts and fellow young conservationists.
The 2026-27 EV-CLC cohort represents 11 colleges and universities across Louisiana. Together they bring a wide range of academic backgrounds, from biology and forestry to landscape architecture and pre-veterinary, reflecting the many disciplines that contribute to conservation in Louisiana.
Conservation Advocacy Tools
The CLC program is designed to provide expert training for undergraduate students to develop leadership and techniques necessary to analyze and develop conservation policies. Throughout the program, members add skills and resources to their advocacy toolkits, including hands-on experience with:
- Effective messaging
- Working with media
- Policy analysis
- Projects and presentations
- Navigating the legislative process
- Conservation ethics
- Leadership
Connecting with Experts
Participants have the opportunity to network with today’s leaders in conservation. In-person events in Baton Rouge and at Chicot State Park provided the backdrop for instruction by some of the top state and national experts in:
- Mississippi River and coastal issues
- Wildlife protection
- Natural resource management
- Global climate change
- The history of conservation in Louisiana
Connecting with Each Other
The program leaves lots of time to explore some of Louisiana’s most beautiful natural settings and to connect with leaders and fellow members over group projects, casual conversations, and fun activities, including:
- Visit to the LSU Center for River Studies’ 10,000-square-foot river model and interactive exhibit space
- Excursion to Baton Rouge’s Bluebonnet Swamp and Nature Center
- Bird watching and night hikes on Chicot State Park’s wooded trails
- Guided tour of the Louisiana State Arboretum State Preservation Area
- Campfire and smores!
Today’s most pressing conservation issues in Louisiana and beyond require dedicated advocates, young and old, with a strong understanding of the challenges and the skills to take action and make a difference. LWF’s Conservation Leadership Corp is helping ensure that young conservationists are ready to take up the mantle for the future.
Thanks to the following presenters for sharing their expertise with the 2026-27 cohort:
- Greg Grandy of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA)
- Mike Smith, environmental reporter for The Advocate and Times-Picayune/NOLA.com
- Niki Pace and Danielle Dilullo of Louisiana Sea Grant
- Richard Williams of the Natural Resources Conservation Service
- Jim Caldwell of the Kitsatchie National Forest and U.S. Forest Service
- Virginia Burkett, U.S. Geological Survey Emeritus
- Rebecca Triche, executive director of LWF
- Rick Owens, advocacy director of LWF