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!
Samantha transformed from a shy student to a confident leader at the Wildlife Leadership Academy. The $20K in 20 campaign helps students like Samantha grow as leaders.
This week we are highlighting Gwen, a Gobblers alum who has blended hands-on conservation skills, creative expression, and community education into an outreach portfolio that reflects her commitment to sharing what she learns with others.
As we begin our 20th anniversary year, we’re reflecting on just how far this community has come -and looking ahead to an exciting year of growth, celebration, and continued impact.
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!
20K in 20 Days: Samantha’s Transformative Experience
January 17, 2026
By Katie Mace
Samantha transformed from a shy student to a confident leader at the Wildlife Leadership Academy. The $20K in 20 campaign helps students like Samantha grow as leaders.
Outreach Highlight – Building Knowledge Through Experience
January 10, 2026
By Katie Mace
This week we are highlighting Gwen, a Gobblers alum who has blended hands-on conservation skills, creative expression, and community education into an outreach portfolio that reflects her commitment to sharing what she learns with others.
Celebrating 20 Years of Empowering Conservation Ambassadors
January 3, 2026
By Katie Mace
As we begin our 20th anniversary year, we’re reflecting on just how far this community has come -and looking ahead to an exciting year of growth, celebration, and continued impact.