570-245-8518 7 East Water St. Lock Haven, PA 17745

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
An introductory weekend experience for those just getting their feet wet in conservation, wildlife/fisheries biology, or outdoor recreation!

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Conservation Ambassador Training

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.

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Advanced Conservation Ambassador Training

Exclusive opportunities such as the Apprentice Program and Advanced Educational Training weekends for our alumni!

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Nominate 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!

  • Keeping up with Taliah

    This week’s blog was written by Taliah, a 2022 Brookies alum! Taliah is currently attending Bryn Mawr College, majoring in Geology. In addition, she is a member of Bryn Mawr’s tennis team. This summer Taliah returned to the Academy as summer staff – assisting in the behind-the-scenes of field school. 

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  • How the Wildlife Leadership Academy Changed My Life

    This week’s blog was written by Graham, a Bass alum. Graham has been very active since attending field school this summer. He has started an Environmental Service Club (ESC) at his school, attended the HopeCAT leadership program, and is participating in WLA’s Pay It Forward student-driven fundraising campaign.

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  • In Their Own Words – Lily’s Story

    This week we are featuring Lily, a 2022 Bucktails alum. Watch the video below to hear Lily reflect on her experiences with the Academy and how the program has helped her find her voice!

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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