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!
This week’s blog was written by Quinn, a Bucktails alum. Quinn writes about the Eastern Hellbender, Pennsylvania’s state amphibian and the quality of its habitat.
March 1st marks the annual outreach deadline. One submission that truly stood out this year came from CJ, a Brookies alum whose outreach reflects hands-on conservation, creativity, and mentorship in action.
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!
“The Hellbender” – Coming to a Stream Near You!
March 13, 2026
By Katie Mace
This week’s blog was written by Quinn, a Bucktails alum. Quinn writes about the Eastern Hellbender, Pennsylvania’s state amphibian and the quality of its habitat.
Outreach Highlight: CJ Leads the Way with Bird Banding and Mentorship
March 7, 2026
By Katie Mace
March 1st marks the annual outreach deadline. One submission that truly stood out this year came from CJ, a Brookies alum whose outreach reflects hands-on conservation, creativity, and mentorship in action.
In Their Own Words – Nadia’s Story
February 28, 2026
By Katie Mace
This week’s In Their Own Words features Nadia, a Brookies alum. Watch as Nadia explains how she blended her outreach with Girl Scout service projects!