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!

  • 2025 Brookies Recap

    The PA Brookies students just finished “reeling” in an incredible week, and we couldn’t be more proud of them. This week, the students engaged with professionals and immersed themselves in brook trout biology, stream ecology, habitat, watersheds, and cold-water fisheries conservation. As we celebrate this week’s class of Conservation Ambassadors, take a look at the highlights from PA Brookies!

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  • 2025 Bass Recap

    The PA Bass students finished “reeling” in an incredible week, and we couldn’t be more proud of them. This week the students engaged with professionals and immersed themselves into bass, stream ecology, habitat, watersheds, and warm water fisheries conservation.

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  • 2025 Bucktails Recap

    The 2025 PA Bucktails field school kicked things off with education, connection, and yes, a bit of rain. From deer biology to nature journaling and everything in between, our newest class of Conservation Ambassadors embraced every moment of the experience. As we celebrate this incredible group of students, take a look at the highlights from the week.

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  • Flashback Blog: A Summer in South Dakota

    This week’s blog was written in 2018 by Sean, a Drummers alum. Sean works for the Pennsylvania Game Commission as a State Game Warden. He graduated from Penn State with a degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science. In this flashback blog, Sean writes about his summer experience with the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks as a Big Game Research Intern.

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  • In Their Own Words – Janine’s Story

    At the Wildlife Leadership Academy, our Adult Mentors are essential in guiding and inspiring the next generation of conservation leaders. In this special edition of our In Their Own Words series, we’re excited to share the perspective of Janine, a first-year mentor whose meaningful connection with her team made a lasting impact.

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