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!
Katie Cassidy announces her departure from the Wildlife Leadership Academy after 12 years, reflecting on her rewarding experiences and expressing pride in her alumni’s achievements.
This week’s In Their Own Words features Clark, a Brookies alum who continued his journey through the Apprentice Program. Hear his perspective on growth, leadership, and why the Academy is a place he looks forward to returning to.
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!
Katie Cassidy’s Farewell to the Wildlife Leadership Academy
May 2, 2026
By Katie Mace
Katie Cassidy announces her departure from the Wildlife Leadership Academy after 12 years, reflecting on her rewarding experiences and expressing pride in her alumni’s achievements.
In Their Own Words – Clark’s Story
April 25, 2026
By Katie Mace
This week’s In Their Own Words features Clark, a Brookies alum who continued his journey through the Apprentice Program. Hear his perspective on growth, leadership, and why the Academy is a place he looks forward to returning to.
There’s a Tropical Fruit in North America – The Remarkable Pawpaw
April 18, 2026
By Katie Mace
Quinn, a Bucktails alum, explores the pawpaw, a North American fruit with historical significance, culinary uses, and unique growing conditions.