Dana Ripper and Ethan Duke are conservation scientists and the founders of Dryocopus Enterprises, bringing decades of experience in field ecology, wildlife conservation, environmental education, data analysis, public engagement, and conservation policy. Their work is grounded in the belief that good conservation starts with good science - but that science is most useful when it can be translated into practical tools, clear communication, effective policy, and meaningful action. Together, they have worked across public and private lands and with nonprofit, government, community, and landowner partners on wildlife monitoring, habitat conservation, ecosystem health, and environmental issues.

Dana and Ethan founded and spent 16 years with the nonprofit Missouri River Bird Observatory, where they led biological monitoring, habitat assessment, education, community engagement, policy work, and coalition building throughout the Midwestern US and beyond. Their experience ranges from long-term wildlife research to GIS and spatial analysis, UAV and remote-sensing applications, environmental data systems, conservation policy analysis, public outreach, and community organizing. Through Dryocopus Enterprises, they now bring that interdisciplinary experience to projects that connect ecological knowledge with the people, institutions, and decision-making processes that shape the future of our landscapes and communities.