If you were to walk into the Wildlife Leadership Academy office lately, you’d see stacks of outreach record books lining the floor. At the same time, a steady stream of digital submission notifications have been lighting up Katie Cassidy’s inbox. March 1st marks the annual outreach deadline, and in the best possible way, it’s one of the busiest times of year. Each package and notification represents months of effort, leadership, and conservation impact from our students.
One submission that truly stood out this year came from CJ, a Brookies alum whose outreach reflects hands-on conservation, creativity, and mentorship in action.
CJ record book reads like a field journal of an emerging wildlife professional. Over the past year, he has devoted significant time to bird banding, working alongside scientists with Willistown Conservation Trust, the Pennsylvania Game Commission, and even contributing to a graduate student research project at the University of Delaware. Bird banding requires careful species identification, precise data collection, and attention to detail; skills that directly mirror what students learn at field school. CJ didn’t just participate once; he returned again and again, building both his skills and professional connections.
His outreach extended beyond research support. CJ participated in and helped with Bird ID walks with the Valley Forge Audubon Youth Bird Club and engaged in educational programs at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary. He attended a wildlife art show at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area and even created a detailed drawing of a Winter Wren for a bird researcher. He also mentored his younger brother and sister while fishing, teaching skills, sharing knowledge, and fostering an appreciation for the outdoors.
CJ’s outreach is a powerful reminder that field school is just the beginning. The skills students gain don’t stay at camp; they extend into research projects, community programs, and creative endeavors. As our office continues to process outreach record books and digital submissions from students across the state, we’re reminded that this is exactly what the Wildlife Leadership Academy is designed to do – equip young leaders with the confidence and skills to make a measurable difference in their communities. We can’t wait to share more of their impact with you soon!
Outreach Highlight: CJ Leads the Way with Bird Banding and Mentorship
Posted: March 7, 2026 by Katie Mace
If you were to walk into the Wildlife Leadership Academy office lately, you’d see stacks of outreach record books lining the floor. At the same time, a steady stream of digital submission notifications have been lighting up Katie Cassidy’s inbox. March 1st marks the annual outreach deadline, and in the best possible way, it’s one of the busiest times of year. Each package and notification represents months of effort, leadership, and conservation impact from our students.
One submission that truly stood out this year came from CJ, a Brookies alum whose outreach reflects hands-on conservation, creativity, and mentorship in action.
CJ record book reads like a field journal of an emerging wildlife professional. Over the past year, he has devoted significant time to bird banding, working alongside scientists with Willistown Conservation Trust, the Pennsylvania Game Commission, and even contributing to a graduate student research project at the University of Delaware. Bird banding requires careful species identification, precise data collection, and attention to detail; skills that directly mirror what students learn at field school. CJ didn’t just participate once; he returned again and again, building both his skills and professional connections.
His outreach extended beyond research support. CJ participated in and helped with Bird ID walks with the Valley Forge Audubon Youth Bird Club and engaged in educational programs at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary. He attended a wildlife art show at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area and even created a detailed drawing of a Winter Wren for a bird researcher. He also mentored his younger brother and sister while fishing, teaching skills, sharing knowledge, and fostering an appreciation for the outdoors.
CJ’s outreach is a powerful reminder that field school is just the beginning. The skills students gain don’t stay at camp; they extend into research projects, community programs, and creative endeavors. As our office continues to process outreach record books and digital submissions from students across the state, we’re reminded that this is exactly what the Wildlife Leadership Academy is designed to do – equip young leaders with the confidence and skills to make a measurable difference in their communities. We can’t wait to share more of their impact with you soon!
Category: Youth Blog