50 Years, 50 Legacies: Breanna Trygg
#9: Breanna Trygg: Educating the Next Generation of Conservation Leaders
On February 11, 2025, more than 46,000 students from across the United States virtually visited the extremely remote and frozen Voyageurs National Park located in rural Minnesota on the border of Canada. Thanks to the innovative programs offered by Expeditions in Education, these students were able to tune in and listen to a park ranger, one of the park’s biologists, and an astronomer. From this group of experts, students learned about snowshoeing, winter wildlife tracking, and the importance of dark night skies.
The Voyageur’s virtual classroom is just one piece of all the many education initiatives led by Breanna Trygg, who has dedicated her career to growing the next generation of park stewards and teaching them about conservation, history, and the natural beauty of Voyageurs National Park. The education team at Voyageurs Conservancy provides programming to over 3,500 students annually through classroom visits and in-park field trips, and collaborates with partners to connect nationally with tens of thousands more!
A Family Connection to Voyageurs
Breanna Trygg and her family’s connection to Voyageurs goes back to the 1930s when her great-uncle, Noble Trygg, was a forester, wildland firefighter, and Civilian Conservation Corps leader working on the land that would one day become the park – even before it was officially established in 1975,
Until 2009, Breanna’s family had a cabin in the park. Spending summers exploring the woods and waters of Voyageurs instilled in Breanna a desire to share that deep connection to nature with young people. As the Education and Outreach Director for Voyageurs Conservancy since November 2021, Breanna has been instrumental in developing and expanding the education programs at Voyageurs. Her programs engage both students and teachers with experiences in the park and in their classrooms – fostering an appreciation for science and cultural history through outdoor learning.
Teen Ambassadors: Inspiring Future Conservationists
Breanna’s commitment to educating the next generation extends beyond primary school students. The Teen Ambassadors program, run in partnership with Wilderness Inquiry, provides middle and high school students with immersive experiences at the park. Participants engage in canoeing, camping, learning, and recreation, while also receiving guidance from professionals in natural resources fields.
Over the last few years, the Teen Ambassadors program has been offered specifically for Indigenous youth, incorporating Indigenous leadership and education into the program. Participants are young people whose homelands include Voyageurs National Park. This shift aligns with Voyageurs Conservancy’s efforts to foster appropriate cultural representation and build meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities.
Breanna Trygg (left) with a group of 2024 Field Fellows
Field Fellows: Training Tomorrow’s Environmental Leaders
For college students and recent graduates, the Field Fellows program offers hands-on experience in natural and cultural resource management. Fellows work and learn directly with the National Park Service staff, while receiving financial support, housing, and transportation. They are encouraged to pursue a capstone project, ranging from creating interactive maps to producing artwork inspired by the park’s wildlife.
“Field fellows are the natural endpoint of our environmental education,” says Trygg. “They gain invaluable experience in backcountry skills and scientific techniques, preparing them for careers in conservation.”
Beyond their work, field fellows are part of a supportive cohort, providing them with mentorship and professional development as they transition into environmental careers.
Celebrating the Future
Breanna Trygg’s passion for education and conservation is evident in every program she leads. She envisions a future where every Minnesota student learns about Voyageurs National Park before graduating high school. “I hope that students who come through our programs will connect to Voyageurs National Park with a sense of wonder as they learn about the history, culture, and science of this unique place,” she says. “The leadership development in the Teen Ambassador program and career exploration within the Field Fellows program build on classroom experiences, developing students' sense of stewardship both for the park and for our world.”
Breanna’s work continues the legacy of her great-uncle, Noble Trygg, ensuring that Voyageurs National Park remains a place of learning, discovery, and connection for generations to come.
So, raise a glass and celebrate, as we toast our outdoor educators! Join us in celebration of 50 years of park hood and looking towards 50 more years and beyond.
Read about Breanna’s great-uncle and other legacies tied to Voyageurs National Park.
Sign up for the Voyageur Conservancy’s education newsletter.
Check out the full list of our 50 legacies!
This year, we’re celebrating 50 years of Voyageurs National Park by sharing 50 inspiring stories of the people who shaped its legacy—from the visionaries who established the park to those protecting its beauty today. Raise a canteen and celebrate this historic milestone with us at our 50th anniversary website. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more inspiring stories and updates!
