This week’s blog is a guest post by Nick M., a Bucktails alumni. Nick is a civil engineer graduate from Penn State University. He has a passionate interest in aquatic macroinvertebrates and is the co-author of two publications on expanding the range of the New Zealand mud snail in Pennsylvania. Nick has returned to field school in recent years as a volunteer and field school photographer.
This week’s blog is a guest post written by Elizabeth B., a Bucktails and Drummers alumni. Elizabeth is a sophomore at Penn State DuBois pursuing her associate degree in wildlife technology and her bachelor’s degree in forest ecosystem management. Her long-term career goal is to become a forester and manage Pennsylvania’s hardwoods for future generations. Elizabeth first attended the Wildlife Leadership Academy in 2018 at the Bucktails field school as a student. She then became an assistant team leader in 2019 and an Academy Support Team member in 2021, helping to run field school. Over the years, Elizabeth has attended all six field school curriculum programs in various roles. Elizabeth is very thankful for the opportunity to attend WLA and grow in her passion for conservation.
March 1st marked the final deadline for this past summer’s class of Conservation Ambassadors to turn in their outreach record books. We are blown away at out the projects our students have completed in their home communities. In the spotlight this week is the remarkable work of Josh T., a Gobblers alumni whose dedication to conservation goes beyond the traditional boundaries.
This week’s blog was written by Audrey M., a Gobblers alumni. Audrey loves wildlife and would like to make their passion for the outdoors into a career one day! WLA has been a great opportunity for furthering their portfolio. The program has taught them more creative ways to teach others and help the environment. Audrey has started to incorporate wildlife into their art, which brings another part of their personality to their work.
This week’s blog was written by Evangeline T., an Ursids alumni. Evangeline loves to be creative, especially in the kitchen! She would like to pursue a degree in baking and pastry arts. Evangeline is very extroverted and loves to hang out with friends and family. She adores animals and learning about them, so she attended …
We are now taking nominations for the 2024 field school season. Academy students gain extensive knowledge about wildlife, fisheries, and conservation plus develop leadership and communication skills. Do you know of a student who would benefit from our program? Nominate them today!
The mission of the Wildlife Leadership Academy is to engage and empower high school age youth to become Conservation Ambassadors to ensure a sustained wildlife, fisheries and natural resource legacy for future generations.
Our student’s Conservation Ambassador journey begins as they attend rigorous summer field schools that focus on wildlife/fisheries biology and conservation as well as leadership skills development and continues with community outreach through education, service, media engagement, creative arts, and outdoor mentorship. Take a tour of a field school below or click right through to learn the benefits of being a part of the Wildlife Leadership Academy and apply!
Tiny Snails Big Issues
This week’s blog is a guest post by Nick M., a Bucktails alumni. Nick is a civil engineer graduate from Penn State University. He has a passionate interest in aquatic macroinvertebrates and is the co-author of two publications on expanding the range of the New Zealand mud snail in Pennsylvania. Nick has returned to field school in recent years as a volunteer and field school photographer.
My WLA Journey
This week’s blog is a guest post written by Elizabeth B., a Bucktails and Drummers alumni. Elizabeth is a sophomore at Penn State DuBois pursuing her associate degree in wildlife technology and her bachelor’s degree in forest ecosystem management. Her long-term career goal is to become a forester and manage Pennsylvania’s hardwoods for future generations. Elizabeth first attended the Wildlife Leadership Academy in 2018 at the Bucktails field school as a student. She then became an assistant team leader in 2019 and an Academy Support Team member in 2021, helping to run field school. Over the years, Elizabeth has attended all six field school curriculum programs in various roles. Elizabeth is very thankful for the opportunity to attend WLA and grow in her passion for conservation.
Outreach Highlight – Josh is Serving Up Conservation
March 1st marked the final deadline for this past summer’s class of Conservation Ambassadors to turn in their outreach record books. We are blown away at out the projects our students have completed in their home communities. In the spotlight this week is the remarkable work of Josh T., a Gobblers alumni whose dedication to conservation goes beyond the traditional boundaries.
Mental Health and Nature
This week’s blog was written by Audrey M., a Gobblers alumni. Audrey loves wildlife and would like to make their passion for the outdoors into a career one day! WLA has been a great opportunity for furthering their portfolio. The program has taught them more creative ways to teach others and help the environment. Audrey has started to incorporate wildlife into their art, which brings another part of their personality to their work.
The Highlights of My Week at Wildlife Leadership Academy
This week’s blog was written by Evangeline T., an Ursids alumni. Evangeline loves to be creative, especially in the kitchen! She would like to pursue a degree in baking and pastry arts. Evangeline is very extroverted and loves to hang out with friends and family. She adores animals and learning about them, so she attended …
Nominate a Teen Today!
We are now taking nominations for the 2024 field school season. Academy students gain extensive knowledge about wildlife, fisheries, and conservation plus develop leadership and communication skills. Do you know of a student who would benefit from our program? Nominate them today!
Our Mission
The mission of the Wildlife Leadership Academy is to engage and empower high school age youth to become Conservation Ambassadors to ensure a sustained wildlife, fisheries and natural resource legacy for future generations.
Becoming a Conservation Ambassador
Our student’s Conservation Ambassador journey begins as they attend rigorous summer field schools that focus on wildlife/fisheries biology and conservation as well as leadership skills development and continues with community outreach through education, service, media engagement, creative arts, and outdoor mentorship. Take a tour of a field school below or click right through to learn the benefits of being a part of the Wildlife Leadership Academy and apply!
PA Bucktails
Focusing on white-tailed deer, their biology, habitat and management.
Learn MorePA Bass
Focusing on bass and warm water conservation.
Learn MorePA BROOKIES
Focusing on brook trout and coldwater conservation.
Learn MorePA DRUMMERS
Focusing on ruffed grouse and early successional habitat.
Learn MorePA GOBBLERS
Focusing on the wild turkey, their biology and habitat engagement.
Learn MorePA URSIDS
Focusing on the black bear, its biology and habitat needs.
Learn More