Meet the founder behind The Young Ike Project

The Young Ike Project was founded by Griffith Pugh to create better ways for people to engage with environmental issues—and with each other.

Why I Started This

Growing up spending my summers in the woods and lakes of northern Minnesota, I saw how deeply people care about place. But many of the environmental conversations that shape those places lack the nuance these complex issues deserve—and are increasingly happening behind screens, driven by algorithms that reinforce our opinions and divide us.

Following the 2024 election cycle, I decided to do something about it.

I started The Young Ike Project to build something different: a media and community platform rooted in honest conversation, strong storytelling, and real-world engagement.

About Griffith

Griffith Pugh is a student at Haverford College and the founder and host of The Young Ike Project.

He has served in leadership roles with the Izaak Walton League of America, helped build Minnesota’s youth-led Green Crew initiative, and has interviewed experts, policymakers, advocates, and builders across environmental and civic life. His work has been featured in outlets such as The New York Times, MPR, and Rolling Stone.

In his free time, he enjoys listening to the Grateful Dead, reading history, spending time outdoors, playing guitar, and hopelessly cheering for Minnesota sports.

Get in Touch

For media, speaking, partnerships, or other inquiries, contact: griffith@theyoungike.org