The mission of the Wildlife Leadership Academy is to engage and empower high school age youth to become Conservation Ambassadors to ensure a sustained wildlife, fisheries and natural resource legacy for future generations.
A year-round program, the Academy trainings begin with a rigorous period of residential programming that focus on a special topic in conservation that teaches about ecology, recreation, as well as leadership skills development and continues with community outreach through education, service, media engagement, creative arts, and outdoor mentorship.
Stepping Stones Program + Outreach
An introductory weekend experience for those just getting their feet wet in conservation, wildlife/fisheries biology, or outdoor recreation!
Field School + Outreach
A five-day immersive field school where students dive deep into the management of a wildlife or fish species and their habitat.
Academy students gain extensive knowledge about wildlife, fisheries, and conservation plus develop leadership and communication skills. Do you know of a student who would benefit from our programs? Learn more about the nomination process today!
Your support will help us fulfill our mission to engage and empower high school age youth to become Conservation Ambassadors to ensure a sustained wildlife, fisheries and natural resource legacy for future generations.
This past weekend, the Academy hosted its first post-pandemic Advanced Educational Training, and it was tree-mendous! Exclusively designed for our Academy alumni, this unique weekend program offered an immersive experience in the forestry field and wood products industry.
This week we are flashing back to a blog written by Freya, a Bucktails and Ursids alum. Freya graduated from Warren Wilson College with a degree in Conservation Biology and a minor in Outdoor Leadership. Last summer, she worked for the Maria Michell Natural Science Museum, leading natural science programming, taking care of their live animals, and helping with research projects on Nantucket Island.
This week’s blog was written by Nathan, a 2019 Drummers alum. Nathan is a student at Penn State. He returned to field school this past summer as a member of the Academy Support Team.
Introducing our new series: In Their Own Words! We’re excited to share stories directly from our incredible alumni, highlighting their personal journeys with the Wildlife Leadership Academy. This week we are featuring Grace, a 2022 Bucktails alum. Watch the video below to hear Grace share her experiences with the Academy.
This week’s blog was written by Alexis C., a 2020 Ursids alum. Alexis graduated from high school this past spring where she was the president of the History Honor Society, president of the Climate Club, and graduated with honors cords. While in school, she attended the Junior National Young Leaders Conference (JrNYLC) which is a premier leadership development program for students. This summer, Alexis returned to field school as a Academy Support Team member at Bucktails, Gobblers, and Ursids!
Our Mission
The mission of the Wildlife Leadership Academy is to engage and empower high school age youth to become Conservation Ambassadors to ensure a sustained wildlife, fisheries and natural resource legacy for future generations.
Our Programs
A year-round program, the Academy trainings begin with a rigorous period of residential programming that focus on a special topic in conservation that teaches about ecology, recreation, as well as leadership skills development and continues with community outreach through education, service, media engagement, creative arts, and outdoor mentorship.
Conservation Advocate Training
Stepping Stones Program + Outreach
LEARN MOREAn introductory weekend experience for those just getting their feet wet in conservation, wildlife/fisheries biology, or outdoor recreation!
Conservation Ambassador Training
Field School + Outreach
learn moreA five-day immersive field school where students dive deep into the management of a wildlife or fish species and their habitat.
Advanced Conservation Ambassador Training
Exclusive opportunities such as the Apprentice Program and Advanced Educational Training weekends for our alumni!
learn moreNominate a Teen
Academy students gain extensive knowledge about wildlife, fisheries, and conservation plus develop leadership and communication skills. Do you know of a student who would benefit from our programs? Learn more about the nomination process today!
Invest in the Next Generation
Your support will help us fulfill our mission to engage and empower high school age youth to become Conservation Ambassadors to ensure a sustained wildlife, fisheries and natural resource legacy for future generations.
Advanced Educational Training – Forestry Recap
This past weekend, the Academy hosted its first post-pandemic Advanced Educational Training, and it was tree-mendous! Exclusively designed for our Academy alumni, this unique weekend program offered an immersive experience in the forestry field and wood products industry.
Flashback Blog: Saving the Red Pine Forests of Minnesota
This week we are flashing back to a blog written by Freya, a Bucktails and Ursids alum. Freya graduated from Warren Wilson College with a degree in Conservation Biology and a minor in Outdoor Leadership. Last summer, she worked for the Maria Michell Natural Science Museum, leading natural science programming, taking care of their live animals, and helping with research projects on Nantucket Island.
Streamside Discoveries
This week’s blog was written by Nathan, a 2019 Drummers alum. Nathan is a student at Penn State. He returned to field school this past summer as a member of the Academy Support Team.
In Their Own Words – Grace’s Story
Introducing our new series: In Their Own Words! We’re excited to share stories directly from our incredible alumni, highlighting their personal journeys with the Wildlife Leadership Academy. This week we are featuring Grace, a 2022 Bucktails alum. Watch the video below to hear Grace share her experiences with the Academy.
Hiking with Friends
This week’s blog was written by Alexis C., a 2020 Ursids alum. Alexis graduated from high school this past spring where she was the president of the History Honor Society, president of the Climate Club, and graduated with honors cords. While in school, she attended the Junior National Young Leaders Conference (JrNYLC) which is a premier leadership development program for students. This summer, Alexis returned to field school as a Academy Support Team member at Bucktails, Gobblers, and Ursids!