Mission
The Environmental Professionals Network (EPN) connects, educates, and inspires Ohio’s environmental community by bringing together community professionals, academic researchers, college students, and K-12 educators through meaningful events and online engagement.
Who is EPN for?
1 Local, state, and federal agency staff
Staff and professionals serving at the local, regional, state, and federal levels to protect natural resources and support environmental policy and management.
2 Non‑profit and NGO leaders
Leaders and practitioners advancing conservation, advocacy, education, and community‑based environmental efforts.
3 Private-sector sustainability professionals
Professionals working in business, consulting, energy, agriculture, and related industries who apply environmental and sustainability principles in practice.
4 College students, staff, and faculty
Researchers, educators, and students contributing knowledge, innovation, and future leadership in environmental and natural resource fields.
5 K-12 Educators
Teachers and education professionals inspiring environmental awareness and stewardship among the next generation of learners.
6 Community leaders and volunteers
Individuals engaged in environmental work through civic leadership, grassroots efforts, service, or personal commitment to their communities.
Engage with the EPN
Choose one of the options below to get involved with Ohio's environmental community.
Create or Edit Your EPN Account
To access the full suite of EPN services - such as the network directory - you'll need to create your own account. Creating and maintaining your account is free, quick, and easy, and is the best way to stay up to date on EPN and community-posted happenings.
Attend an upcoming EPN Event
With ten events per year, EPN hosts something for everyone. Whether you're interested in energy, soil health, or wildlife, or something in between, you won't want to miss our continuing education programming and in-person networking opportunities.
Explore EPN Connect
Search through community-posted member profiles, upcoming events, open jobs and internship opportunities, and free-to-access resources.
EPN Through the Years
EPN is founded
September 2012
Environmental and natural resource leaders throughout Ohio work with Ohio State University to launch EPN and host EPN's first "Breakfast Club" program.
EPN hosts its 50th program
August 2016
In its fifth year of programming, EPN hit the 50-program mark with an event put on in collaboration with Chadwick Arboretum and Learning Gardens and Wild Ones.
EPN starts livestreaming all events on YouTube
September 2020
Partially spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, and with funding from external sponsors, EPN begun offering virtual attendance options for all monthly programs.
EPN becomes a "Program of Excellence in Engaged Scholarship"
April 2024
The Ohio State's Office of Outreach and Engagement selects the EPN as a "Program of Excellence in Engaged Scholarship".
New sponsorships support free student attendance at all EPN programs
January 2025
With financial support from ENGIE North America and the Ohio State Energy Partners, students began attending EPN programs free of charge.
EPN receives Ohio Environmental Education Fund (OEEF) grant from Ohio EPA
July 2025
In collaboration with environmental education partners, the EPN successfully received over $35,000 from Ohio EPA to develop online and in-person programming to connect environmental professionals with K-12 educators.
EPN launches EPN Connect
April 2026
EPN Connect debuts, providing an online platform designed to strengthen connections and year‑round engagement among environmental professionals, students, and educators.