On Sunday, November 1, the Wildlife Leadership Academy community came together at the Rowland Theatre in Philipsburg to celebrate 20 years of memories, friendships, and conservation leadership.
It was an afternoon filled with familiar faces, new memories, and plenty of reasons to celebrate. From the moment people walked through the doors, the theatre was filled with laughter, hugs, excited reunions, and stories of the years spent together at field school. Our most recent crew of summer staff reunited (and there were certainly a few excited squeals!), alumni reconnected with instructors, and friends who hadn’t seen each other in years picked up right where they left off.
The celebration included the premiere of our 20th Anniversary Documentary, a look back at the people, experiences, and moments that have shaped Wildlife Leadership Academy over the past two decades. Through stories from founders, instructors, staff, and alumni, we were reminded of just how many lives have been touched by WLA and how much this community has grown.
But as special as it was to look back on 20 years, the best part of the day was having everyone together in the same room.
After the celebration, Executive Director Sara Mueller shared a sentiment that perfectly captured the feeling of the day: “Our people are together again.”
And that’s exactly what it felt like.
For 20 years, Wildlife Leadership Academy has been about more than field schools, curriculum, or conservation education. It’s about the people. The friendships formed around campfires, the mentors who inspire the next generation, the students who return as staff, and the connections that continue long after a field school comes to an end.
Seeing those connections come together again was a reminder of just how strong the WLA community is. No matter how many years have passed or where life has taken everyone, there is something special about being part of this family.
To everyone who joined us on Sunday, helped make the celebration possible, shared their stories, or has been part of the WLA journey over the last 20 years: thank you. YOU are what makes this community so special.
And if you weren’t able to join us, or simply want to relive the memories, our 20th Anniversary Documentary will be available on YouTube soon. Stay tuned for the opportunity to watch!
Here’s to 20 years of Wildlife Leadership Academy, the people who made it possible, and all the memories still waiting to be made.
Our hearts are happy. Our community is strong. And our people are together again.
Celebrating 20 Years of Wildlife Leadership Academy
Posted: November 7, 2026 by Katie Mace
On Sunday, November 1, the Wildlife Leadership Academy community came together at the Rowland Theatre in Philipsburg to celebrate 20 years of memories, friendships, and conservation leadership.
It was an afternoon filled with familiar faces, new memories, and plenty of reasons to celebrate. From the moment people walked through the doors, the theatre was filled with laughter, hugs, excited reunions, and stories of the years spent together at field school. Our most recent crew of summer staff reunited (and there were certainly a few excited squeals!), alumni reconnected with instructors, and friends who hadn’t seen each other in years picked up right where they left off.
The celebration included the premiere of our 20th Anniversary Documentary, a look back at the people, experiences, and moments that have shaped Wildlife Leadership Academy over the past two decades. Through stories from founders, instructors, staff, and alumni, we were reminded of just how many lives have been touched by WLA and how much this community has grown.
But as special as it was to look back on 20 years, the best part of the day was having everyone together in the same room.
After the celebration, Executive Director Sara Mueller shared a sentiment that perfectly captured the feeling of the day: “Our people are together again.”
And that’s exactly what it felt like.
For 20 years, Wildlife Leadership Academy has been about more than field schools, curriculum, or conservation education. It’s about the people. The friendships formed around campfires, the mentors who inspire the next generation, the students who return as staff, and the connections that continue long after a field school comes to an end.
Seeing those connections come together again was a reminder of just how strong the WLA community is. No matter how many years have passed or where life has taken everyone, there is something special about being part of this family.
To everyone who joined us on Sunday, helped make the celebration possible, shared their stories, or has been part of the WLA journey over the last 20 years: thank you. YOU are what makes this community so special.
And if you weren’t able to join us, or simply want to relive the memories, our 20th Anniversary Documentary will be available on YouTube soon. Stay tuned for the opportunity to watch!
Here’s to 20 years of Wildlife Leadership Academy, the people who made it possible, and all the memories still waiting to be made.
Our hearts are happy. Our community is strong. And our people are together again.
Category: Youth Blog Tags: 20th Anniversary, featured, Field Schools