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.
As the year draws to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the many milestones and accomplishments of 2024. It has been an incredible year of growth for the Wildlife Leadership Academy, and we are excited to share the highlights with you!
This week’s blog was written by Erika, a 2016 Brookies alum. Since then Erika has attended all 6 programs as a staff member. She graduated from Virginia Wesleyan University in May with a double degree in Biology and Earth & Environmental Science. Erika currently pursuing jobs in studying or managing natural resources.
We are thrilled to spotlight Kye, a dedicated Conservation Advocate in our Stepping Stones Program. Kye has demonstrated exceptional commitment and creativity in sharing his conservation knowledge through a variety of impactful projects. Below, we share some highlights from his outreach journey.
This week we are featuring Jackson, a 2019 Drummers alum. Tune in to hear him reflect on his experiences with the Academy including his return to field school this past summer as a member of our summer staff.
As Giving Tuesday approaches, we reflect on the incredible journeys of our students through the Wildlife Leadership Academy. This year, we are aiming to raise $2,500 to fund scholarships for the Ralph Abele Excellence in Outreach award.
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.
Reflecting on 2024
As the year draws to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the many milestones and accomplishments of 2024. It has been an incredible year of growth for the Wildlife Leadership Academy, and we are excited to share the highlights with you!
My Journey to 100 Birds
This week’s blog was written by Erika, a 2016 Brookies alum. Since then Erika has attended all 6 programs as a staff member. She graduated from Virginia Wesleyan University in May with a double degree in Biology and Earth & Environmental Science. Erika currently pursuing jobs in studying or managing natural resources.
Outreach Highlight: Conservation in Action
We are thrilled to spotlight Kye, a dedicated Conservation Advocate in our Stepping Stones Program. Kye has demonstrated exceptional commitment and creativity in sharing his conservation knowledge through a variety of impactful projects. Below, we share some highlights from his outreach journey.
In Their Own Words – Jackson’s Story
This week we are featuring Jackson, a 2019 Drummers alum. Tune in to hear him reflect on his experiences with the Academy including his return to field school this past summer as a member of our summer staff.
Giving Tuesday
As Giving Tuesday approaches, we reflect on the incredible journeys of our students through the Wildlife Leadership Academy. This year, we are aiming to raise $2,500 to fund scholarships for the Ralph Abele Excellence in Outreach award.