570-245-8518 7 East Water St. Lock Haven, PA 17745

APPLY TODAY...

to become a Conservation Ambassador!

At the Wildlife Leadership Academy we will empower you to become a Conservation Ambassador in order to create a sustained wildlife, fisheries and natural resource legacy for future generations.

You will complete this program with extensive knowledge about wildlife/fisheries and conservation, with leadership and communication skills and become a certified Conservation Ambassador.

As a graduate of the Wildlife Leadership Academy program you will receive:

  • An official document that acknowledges your time spent on community outreach.
  • A certificate that designates you as a Conservation Ambassador.
  • The opportunity to obtain three college credits through Cedar Crest College.

PLUS, you will be eligible to:

  • Apply to return to the program the following year as a youth mentor tuition free.
  • Attend a professional wildlife or fisheries conference.
  • Compete for college scholarships.
  • Attend college visit days to schools that have wildlife/fisheries and conservation programs.
  • Request letters of recommendation for college applications and job opportunities.
  • Continue with Advanced Conservation Ambassador Training in the Apprentice Program.
  • Join an Academy Alumni Network of over 1,000 alumni professionals, including those in the wildlife, fisheries, and conservation fields.

Your journey to become a Conservation Ambassador begins by attending one of our 5-day residential (overnight) summer field schools. All field schools are held at Krislund Camp and Conference Center near Madisonburg, PA. Each of our field schools focus on a different wildlife or fish species. 

Click on the buttons below to explore our 2027 field school curriculum line up!

June 15-19

Focusing on white-tailed deer and the management of their habitat.

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June 22-26

Focusing on bass and the Susquehanna River watershed.

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July 13-17

Focusing on brook trout, macroinvertebrates, and cold water conservation.

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July 20-24

Focusing on birds and the management of their habitat.

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July 27-31

Focusing on black bears and the management of their habitat.

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At each field school you will:

  • Learn hands-on about wildlife, habitat management and conservation in an enriching environment from over 20+ wildlife professionals from the PA Game Commission, the PA Fish and Boat Commission, and more.
  • Hone your leadership and communications skills.
  • Leave prepared to use these skills to become an ambassador for conservation in your community.

After field school, the Academy will help you be successful with your community outreach by:

  • Giving you clear guidelines for how to complete your outreach.
  • Sending you monthly outreach opportunities only available to Conservation Ambassadors.
  • Being available to answers questions or help you by phone and/or email five days a week.


We are committed to ensuring equity in education for all students. No one should ever be prevented from engaging with the Academy because of barriers. We aim to ensure that if a student is accepted into the program because of their passion to become a Conservation Ambassador, we will work to reduce any barriers that may prevent them from attending.

TUITION + SCHOLARSHIPS

Tuition Cost is $600 which includes housing and meals.  Scholarship support is available based upon available funds.

TRANSPORTATION SUPPORT

We understand that transportation to field school can be a barrier for some families. We are seeking solutions to help our accepted students and their families get to field school.

APPLYING FOR SUPPORT

Scholarship and transportation support request questions are included on the field school application.

*Support requests have no bearing on your acceptance to the program.

HOW TO APPLY

We are looking for highly motivated 14-17 year-old students with an interest in wildlife and/or fisheries conservation and the outdoors. Applicants will be selected based on achievements, activities, and a personal essay.

The application is open from December 1 to February 28. Notification of acceptance via email will begin in the second week of March.

Applications are currently closed. Join our mailing list to stay up to date on Academy programming.

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THE WILDLIFE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY PROGRAM GOES BEYOND ONE WEEK, BEYOND ONE YEAR – IT IS AN EXPERIENCE THAT WILL LAST YOU A LIFETIME.

  • Wildlife Leadership Academy was a wealth of information and experiences, many of which were hands on, and served to expand our knowledge of freshwater ecosystems, conservation, and environmental issues.

    Jonathan H.

  • Through this program my knowledge of leadership has expanded more than it ever could on my own. I’ve learned the importance of stepping out my comfort zone. This adventure has marked the beginning of a lifetime of conservation!

    Rachel N.

  • While at the field school, I learned more in a week more than I thought I could. Needless to say, WLA bucktails field school was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had and I recommend it to anyone who has a passion for wildlife.

    Beth K.

QUESTIONS?

Have you read all the details but still have questions about Conservation Ambassador Training?

Please reach out to our Executive Director, Sara Mueller, and she will be happy to answer any questions you might have!

You can reach her at 570-245-8518 or smueller@wildlifeleadershipacademy.org.

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A COOPERATIVE INITIATIVE

The Wildlife Leadership Academy, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is a cooperative educational initiative involving state agencies and conservation organizations. Learn more about our supporters.

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