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.
The NextGen Blog gives voice to the next generation of conservation leaders. Written by Academy students, alumni, and staff, each post shares experiences, lessons, and inspiration from the field and beyond. Click here for more stories written by the next generation!
Our latest “flock” of Conservation Ambassadors spent the week “gobbling” up information about turkey biology and management. Take a look at the highlights from PA Gobblers!
The PA Brookies students just wrapped up an exciting week of field school! Students immersed themselves in brook trout biology, stream ecology, watersheds, and cold-water fisheries conservation.
You’re invited to the Wildlife Leadership Academy’s Family Field Day – a celebration of nature, learning, and community! Open to alumni, their families, and the public, this event features hands-on field activities and educational sessions for all ages.
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.
NextGen Blog
The NextGen Blog gives voice to the next generation of conservation leaders. Written by Academy students, alumni, and staff, each post shares experiences, lessons, and inspiration from the field and beyond. Click here for more stories written by the next generation!
2026 Gobblers Field School Recap
July 18, 2026
By Katie Mace
Our latest “flock” of Conservation Ambassadors spent the week “gobbling” up information about turkey biology and management. Take a look at the highlights from PA Gobblers!
2026 Brookies Field School Recap
July 11, 2026
By Katie Mace
The PA Brookies students just wrapped up an exciting week of field school! Students immersed themselves in brook trout biology, stream ecology, watersheds, and cold-water fisheries conservation.
You’re Invited – 2026 Family Field Day
July 4, 2026
By Katie Mace
You’re invited to the Wildlife Leadership Academy’s Family Field Day – a celebration of nature, learning, and community! Open to alumni, their families, and the public, this event features hands-on field activities and educational sessions for all ages.