At the Wildlife Leadership Academy, we teach our students that leadership is demonstrated through action, not just words. This year, we engaged and empowered over 100 students, equipping them with the tools and knowledge they need to conduct impactful outreach projects in their home communities. Our full-time staff not only guides our students but also embodies the “practice what you preach” philosophy by actively participating in various outreach efforts across the state.
Earlier this year, Executive Director Sara Mueller attended the Cumberland Valley Fly Fishing Festival with the Pennsylvania Fly Fishing Association to announce the launch of the Stepping Stones Program – the Academy’s introductory weekend experience for students just getting their feet wet in conservation.
Sara’s booth at the Cumberland Valley Fly Fishing Festival.
Field School and Office Manager Lexi Chisholm, along with Katie Cassidy, Director of Outreach and Alumni Engagement, further extended our educational outreach by manning a booth at the ECWSF Hunting and Outdoor Expo. Their presence at this event highlighted WLA’s mission and engaged attendees to nominate a teen to attend a field school.
Katie Cassidy also contributed to educational outreach by presenting at a “Teach the Teacher” session at St. John Neumann Regional Academy in Lycoming County. She demonstrated how educators can utilize their outdoor classroom’s pollinator garden as an opportunity for students to plan, maintain, and preserve the garden.
Our staff’s media efforts have been vital in spreading our message as well. Sara spoke about the Academy on the Conservation Unfiltered podcast, sharing insights into our programs and the importance of nurturing the next generation of conservation leaders. You can listen to her interview here. Sara was also featured on the Experience the Outdoors radio show on Magic 105.5, where she discussed the Academy’s mission and the impact of our programs on aspiring conservationists. Additionally, Katie Cassidy appeared on the Saturday Light Brigade radio show, discussing WLA’s offerings and the opportunities the Academy provides to students post-program.
In August, Multimedia Marketing Specialist Katie Mace volunteered at a wildlife education day for kids. She not only helped plan the event but also captured photos and videos of the day’s activities.
Katie capturing videos of a session on deer antler sheds.
Sara’s commitment to outdoor mentorship is exemplified through her role as an instructor for Conservation Leaders for Tomorrow. She provides valuable guidance and support to future natural resource leaders, helping them develop the skills and confidence needed to excel in their conservation careers. In addition, Sara also mentors hunters just getting into the sport.
Sara and her husband mentor new adult hunters.
Most recently, the WLA team participated in the Penns Valley Conservation Association’s “Crickfest” in Coburn, PA, to promote awareness of our organization within our own community. At the event, visitors learned about the Academy’s programs and engaged in interactive activities such as aging deer based on their jawbones.
Katie, Lexi, and Sara at Crickfest!
By actively participating in these outreach activities, our team hopes to reinforce the principles we teach but also serve as examples of leadership and community involvement. While our students are completing outreach in their own communities, it is important to remember that making a difference isn’t limited to youth alone. Everyone can engage their community through outreach in education, service, creative arts, media engagement, and outdoor mentorship! We are challenging you to get out there and be a conservation leader too!
Tell us about your activities using the button below by November 15th to receive a token of recognition from the Academy! We believe in our students, our alumni, our team, and YOU to be activists for conservation in your community!
Leading by Example – Community Outreach
Posted: September 7, 2024 by Katie Mace
At the Wildlife Leadership Academy, we teach our students that leadership is demonstrated through action, not just words. This year, we engaged and empowered over 100 students, equipping them with the tools and knowledge they need to conduct impactful outreach projects in their home communities. Our full-time staff not only guides our students but also embodies the “practice what you preach” philosophy by actively participating in various outreach efforts across the state.
Earlier this year, Executive Director Sara Mueller attended the Cumberland Valley Fly Fishing Festival with the Pennsylvania Fly Fishing Association to announce the launch of the Stepping Stones Program – the Academy’s introductory weekend experience for students just getting their feet wet in conservation.
Field School and Office Manager Lexi Chisholm, along with Katie Cassidy, Director of Outreach and Alumni Engagement, further extended our educational outreach by manning a booth at the ECWSF Hunting and Outdoor Expo. Their presence at this event highlighted WLA’s mission and engaged attendees to nominate a teen to attend a field school.
Katie Cassidy also contributed to educational outreach by presenting at a “Teach the Teacher” session at St. John Neumann Regional Academy in Lycoming County. She demonstrated how educators can utilize their outdoor classroom’s pollinator garden as an opportunity for students to plan, maintain, and preserve the garden.
Our staff’s media efforts have been vital in spreading our message as well. Sara spoke about the Academy on the Conservation Unfiltered podcast, sharing insights into our programs and the importance of nurturing the next generation of conservation leaders. You can listen to her interview here. Sara was also featured on the Experience the Outdoors radio show on Magic 105.5, where she discussed the Academy’s mission and the impact of our programs on aspiring conservationists. Additionally, Katie Cassidy appeared on the Saturday Light Brigade radio show, discussing WLA’s offerings and the opportunities the Academy provides to students post-program.
In August, Multimedia Marketing Specialist Katie Mace volunteered at a wildlife education day for kids. She not only helped plan the event but also captured photos and videos of the day’s activities.
Sara’s commitment to outdoor mentorship is exemplified through her role as an instructor for Conservation Leaders for Tomorrow. She provides valuable guidance and support to future natural resource leaders, helping them develop the skills and confidence needed to excel in their conservation careers. In addition, Sara also mentors hunters just getting into the sport.
Most recently, the WLA team participated in the Penns Valley Conservation Association’s “Crickfest” in Coburn, PA, to promote awareness of our organization within our own community. At the event, visitors learned about the Academy’s programs and engaged in interactive activities such as aging deer based on their jawbones.
By actively participating in these outreach activities, our team hopes to reinforce the principles we teach but also serve as examples of leadership and community involvement. While our students are completing outreach in their own communities, it is important to remember that making a difference isn’t limited to youth alone. Everyone can engage their community through outreach in education, service, creative arts, media engagement, and outdoor mentorship! We are challenging you to get out there and be a conservation leader too!
Tell us about your activities using the button below by November 15th to receive a token of recognition from the Academy! We believe in our students, our alumni, our team, and YOU to be activists for conservation in your community!
Click here to tell us you story!
Category: Youth Blog Tags: featured, outreach