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!

  • Streamside Discoveries

    This week’s blog was written by Nathan, a 2019 Drummers alum. Nathan is a student at Penn State. He returned to field school this past summer as a member of the Academy Support Team.

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  • In Their Own Words – Grace’s Story

    Introducing our new series: In Their Own Words! We’re excited to share stories directly from our incredible alumni, highlighting their personal journeys with the Wildlife Leadership Academy. This week we are featuring Grace, a 2022 Bucktails alum. Watch the video below to hear Grace share her experiences with the Academy.

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  • Hiking with Friends

    This week’s blog was written by Alexis C., a 2020 Ursids alum. Alexis graduated from high school this past spring where she was the president of the History Honor Society, president of the Climate Club, and graduated with honors cords. While in school, she attended the Junior National Young Leaders Conference (JrNYLC) which is a premier leadership development program for students. This summer, Alexis returned to field school as a Academy Support Team member at Bucktails, Gobblers, and Ursids!

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  • Penn’s Cave

    This week’s blog was written by Stefani G., an Ursids alum. Stefani was born in Venezuela and has always wanted to work with animals. It is her hope that someday she will become a wildlife biologist.

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  • Three Things I Wish I Knew about Going into the Environmental Workforce

    This week’s blog is a guest post written by Kala, a 2008 Bucktails alum. Kala is a Project Manager with Environmental Solutions & Innovations (ESI), where she works as a Protected Species Regulatory Manager. Her career has taken her all across North America working with many different species – both terrestrial and aquatic.

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