Hazel, an Ursids 2026 field school student, turned her summer into an inspiring conservation journey that stretched from the wildlife rehabilitation centers of Philadelphia to the tide pools and forests of the Pacific Northwest. Her work demonstrates the heart of what it means to be a Conservation Ambassador: taking knowledge gained at field school and transforming it into meaningful action for wildlife and community.
At the center of Hazel’s conservation work was her commitment to the only licensed wildlife rehabilitation clinic in Philadelphia, the Schuylkill Wildlife Clinic. After completing a training shift where she toured the facility and learned the ins and outs of clinic operations, Hazel dove into regular weekly service as a clinic assistant. Her work included preparing meals, cleaning enclosures, doing laundry, and performing the essential behind-the-scenes tasks that keep rescued wildlife safe and comfortable during their recovery.
Hazel’s summer also became a masterclass in outdoor mentorship across diverse ecosystems. During visits to Oregon’s coast and lakes, she shared her growing wildlife expertise with family members of all ages. At Cannon Beach’s tide pools, she taught her little cousin about mussels, jellies, sea stars, and crabs while modeling respectful wildlife observation. She led bird identification sessions at Haystack Rock, where she was even lucky enough to spot one of only two tufted puffins still nesting there. At Lake Trillium, Hazel didn’t just share knowledge about ducks and plants, she also educated a young visitor about proper wildlife feeding practices, turning a chance encounter into a teachable moment. She combined this educational walk with 2.5 hours of litter cleanup around the lake, removing trash from both the shoreline and water.
Hazel’s creativity found expression through two whale shark paintings, and she brought her field school experience full circle by presenting a detailed camp debrief using her trifold display and materials from Ursids, sharing everything she’d learned about bears, plants, telemetry, projects, and wildlife career opportunities.
From rehabilitation clinic to rocky shore, Hazel exemplifies the Conservation Ambassador spirit. She turned passion into practice, knowledge into leadership, and every encounter with nature into an opportunity to inspire others and protect wildlife. We are so proud of Hazel and all she has accomplished in just a few short months. Stay tuned for more outreach highlights from the Class of 2026 Conservation Ambassadors!
Join Wildlife Leadership Academy on November 1st for a special 20th Anniversary celebration honoring two decades of engaging and empowering young conservation leaders. Gather with alumni, families, partners, and friends for an afternoon at the historic Rowland Theatre featuring the premiere of a film celebrating the Academy’s story, impact, and the people who made it possible.
Outreach Highlight – Hazel’s Summer as a Conservation Ambassador
Posted: September 26, 2026 by Katie Mace
Hazel, an Ursids 2026 field school student, turned her summer into an inspiring conservation journey that stretched from the wildlife rehabilitation centers of Philadelphia to the tide pools and forests of the Pacific Northwest. Her work demonstrates the heart of what it means to be a Conservation Ambassador: taking knowledge gained at field school and transforming it into meaningful action for wildlife and community.
At the center of Hazel’s conservation work was her commitment to the only licensed wildlife rehabilitation clinic in Philadelphia, the Schuylkill Wildlife Clinic. After completing a training shift where she toured the facility and learned the ins and outs of clinic operations, Hazel dove into regular weekly service as a clinic assistant. Her work included preparing meals, cleaning enclosures, doing laundry, and performing the essential behind-the-scenes tasks that keep rescued wildlife safe and comfortable during their recovery.
Hazel’s summer also became a masterclass in outdoor mentorship across diverse ecosystems. During visits to Oregon’s coast and lakes, she shared her growing wildlife expertise with family members of all ages. At Cannon Beach’s tide pools, she taught her little cousin about mussels, jellies, sea stars, and crabs while modeling respectful wildlife observation. She led bird identification sessions at Haystack Rock, where she was even lucky enough to spot one of only two tufted puffins still nesting there. At Lake Trillium, Hazel didn’t just share knowledge about ducks and plants, she also educated a young visitor about proper wildlife feeding practices, turning a chance encounter into a teachable moment. She combined this educational walk with 2.5 hours of litter cleanup around the lake, removing trash from both the shoreline and water.
Hazel’s creativity found expression through two whale shark paintings, and she brought her field school experience full circle by presenting a detailed camp debrief using her trifold display and materials from Ursids, sharing everything she’d learned about bears, plants, telemetry, projects, and wildlife career opportunities.
From rehabilitation clinic to rocky shore, Hazel exemplifies the Conservation Ambassador spirit. She turned passion into practice, knowledge into leadership, and every encounter with nature into an opportunity to inspire others and protect wildlife. We are so proud of Hazel and all she has accomplished in just a few short months. Stay tuned for more outreach highlights from the Class of 2026 Conservation Ambassadors!
Category: Youth Blog Tags: featured, outreach highlight, youth