This week’s blog was written by Lily, a Bucktails alum. Lily returned to field school this past summer as a member of our Academy Support Team. She states that she continues to stay involved with WLA because of the profound impact the program has had on her perspective and commitment to conservation
In today’s rapidly changing world, the need for environmental stewardship and wildlife conservation has never been more critical. Amid this urgency, wildlife conservation field schools, such as the Wildlife Leadership Academy (WLA) have emerged as transformative experiences that not only shape future conservationists but also emphasize the pivotal importance of conservation education.
The Wildlife Leadership Academy’s purpose is to involve and enable high school-aged youth to become Conservation Ambassadors who work towards preserving a lasting legacy of wildlife, fisheries, and natural resources for future generations. This comprehensive program operates throughout the year, commencing with intensive summer field schools dedicated to wildlife and fisheries biology, conservation, and leadership skill cultivation, and extending into community outreach efforts encompassing education, service, media involvement, creative arts, and outdoor mentorship. These immersive programs offer participants a unique opportunity to connect with nature, instilling a deep sense of responsibility toward our planet’s invaluable biodiversity.
Field schools matter profoundly because they bridge the gap between theory and practice. Students at WLA are not confined to classrooms; instead, they spend a week camping in the woods and have the opportunity to step into the wild, where they encounter conservation challenges. Learning in the field allows for a hands-on approach to studying ecosystems, wildlife behavior, and the impacts of human activities. Students have the chance to witness a necropsy on the focus animal of their own field school and complete tasks based on the skills they learned in previous days at the camp. This is where budding conservationists develop essential field skills, from data collection to tracking and monitoring techniques, preparing them for the complex work of preserving Pennsylvania’s natural heritage.
Lily assessed deer habitat and forest ecosystems at PA Bucktails.
As an Apprentice at WLA, Lily learned how biologists trap and research black bears in Pennsylvania.
Conservation education, as exemplified by field schools, is vital for fostering a generation that cares deeply for the environment. It cultivates a profound appreciation for nature’s wonders, encouraging individuals to become informed and responsible global citizens. Wildlife conservation is crucial because it safeguards Earth’s delicate balance. Every species plays a unique role in the ecosystem, and their disappearance can lead to cascading ecological consequences. Conservation protects biodiversity, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the beauty and benefits of a rich and varied natural world. Moreover, it helps mitigate climate change, maintain clean water sources, and preserve genetic diversity for medical research and agriculture.
I can personally attest to the significant influence this program has had on my life as an alumnus of the Wildlife Leadership Academy’s field school on whitetail deer. While the program expanded my grasp of deer biology and conservation, it also established my duty as a Conservation Ambassador. I am grateful for the knowledge and skills I was able to acquire during the course of the program. I have become acutely aware of the crucial role that humans play in protecting our natural environment after learning about the delicate balance between species population and their ecosystems and the significance of sustainable management.
At field school, Lily served as her team’s spokesperson during a mock town hall meeting.
This program developed my leadership skills outside of the classroom and gave me chances to engage in community outreach, teaching, and practical conservation work. Now that I have the knowledge and passion necessary, I am able to advocate for the continued conservation of wildlife and their natural habitats, leaving a foundation for coming generations. I work on environmental projects in my community and regularly explore how I can develop my own career in wildlife and conservation. Despite this, I continue to devote a significant amount of my time to mentoring children at Girl Scout events or in school, in order to carry on the legacy WLA has given me.
For an outreach project, Lily taught a troop of Girl Scouts how to identify Bull Thistle, an invasive plant.
When you are a student at WLA, your primary concentration is on your education and teamwork, but if you transition into a staff or mentor role, it becomes exciting to see others go through the same unforgettable experience that you once did. Ultimately, a wildlife conservation program such as WLA is an invaluable experience that gives people the information, abilities, and enthusiasm necessary to protect the natural wonders of our planet. It emphasizes how important environmental education is in addressing the current environmental crises. Investing in the education and motivation of the next generation of conservationists is essential to conserving the unique and irreplaceable biodiversity of our planet as we face an uncertain future. These field schools not only mold the next generation of conservation leaders but also foster a feeling of responsibility to preserve the environment for future generations.
Wild Wisdom: The Significance of Wildlife Education and Conservation Field Schools
Posted: September 20, 2025 by Katie Mace
This week’s blog was written by Lily, a Bucktails alum. Lily returned to field school this past summer as a member of our Academy Support Team. She states that she continues to stay involved with WLA because of the profound impact the program has had on her perspective and commitment to conservation
In today’s rapidly changing world, the need for environmental stewardship and wildlife conservation has never been more critical. Amid this urgency, wildlife conservation field schools, such as the Wildlife Leadership Academy (WLA) have emerged as transformative experiences that not only shape future conservationists but also emphasize the pivotal importance of conservation education.
The Wildlife Leadership Academy’s purpose is to involve and enable high school-aged youth to become Conservation Ambassadors who work towards preserving a lasting legacy of wildlife, fisheries, and natural resources for future generations. This comprehensive program operates throughout the year, commencing with intensive summer field schools dedicated to wildlife and fisheries biology, conservation, and leadership skill cultivation, and extending into community outreach efforts encompassing education, service, media involvement, creative arts, and outdoor mentorship. These immersive programs offer participants a unique opportunity to connect with nature, instilling a deep sense of responsibility toward our planet’s invaluable biodiversity.
Field schools matter profoundly because they bridge the gap between theory and practice. Students at WLA are not confined to classrooms; instead, they spend a week camping in the woods and have the opportunity to step into the wild, where they encounter conservation challenges. Learning in the field allows for a hands-on approach to studying ecosystems, wildlife behavior, and the impacts of human activities. Students have the chance to witness a necropsy on the focus animal of their own field school and complete tasks based on the skills they learned in previous days at the camp. This is where budding conservationists develop essential field skills, from data collection to tracking and monitoring techniques, preparing them for the complex work of preserving Pennsylvania’s natural heritage.
Conservation education, as exemplified by field schools, is vital for fostering a generation that cares deeply for the environment. It cultivates a profound appreciation for nature’s wonders, encouraging individuals to become informed and responsible global citizens. Wildlife conservation is crucial because it safeguards Earth’s delicate balance. Every species plays a unique role in the ecosystem, and their disappearance can lead to cascading ecological consequences. Conservation protects biodiversity, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the beauty and benefits of a rich and varied natural world. Moreover, it helps mitigate climate change, maintain clean water sources, and preserve genetic diversity for medical research and agriculture.
I can personally attest to the significant influence this program has had on my life as an alumnus of the Wildlife Leadership Academy’s field school on whitetail deer. While the program expanded my grasp of deer biology and conservation, it also established my duty as a Conservation Ambassador. I am grateful for the knowledge and skills I was able to acquire during the course of the program. I have become acutely aware of the crucial role that humans play in protecting our natural environment after learning about the delicate balance between species population and their ecosystems and the significance of sustainable management.
This program developed my leadership skills outside of the classroom and gave me chances to engage in community outreach, teaching, and practical conservation work. Now that I have the knowledge and passion necessary, I am able to advocate for the continued conservation of wildlife and their natural habitats, leaving a foundation for coming generations. I work on environmental projects in my community and regularly explore how I can develop my own career in wildlife and conservation. Despite this, I continue to devote a significant amount of my time to mentoring children at Girl Scout events or in school, in order to carry on the legacy WLA has given me.
For an outreach project, Lily taught a troop of Girl Scouts how to identify Bull Thistle, an invasive plant.
When you are a student at WLA, your primary concentration is on your education and teamwork, but if you transition into a staff or mentor role, it becomes exciting to see others go through the same unforgettable experience that you once did. Ultimately, a wildlife conservation program such as WLA is an invaluable experience that gives people the information, abilities, and enthusiasm necessary to protect the natural wonders of our planet. It emphasizes how important environmental education is in addressing the current environmental crises. Investing in the education and motivation of the next generation of conservationists is essential to conserving the unique and irreplaceable biodiversity of our planet as we face an uncertain future. These field schools not only mold the next generation of conservation leaders but also foster a feeling of responsibility to preserve the environment for future generations.
Category: Youth Blog Tags: conservation education, education, featured, impact, youth