This week’s blog is a guest post written by Paloma M., a Brookies alumni. Paloma enjoys environmental and climate studies. She is graduating high school in 2024 and loves informing those around her about the latest news about our planet, with an emphasis on politics and media. She attended Wildlife Leadership Academy to get out into the world and learn more about the environment she was reporting on.
Today, we’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on one of our outstanding alums, Brayden R., whose journey since attending the Bass field school last June has been nothing short of remarkable. From utilizing his newfound knowledge to embracing creative endeavors and actively participating in community outreach, Brayden’s story encapsulates the excellent work the Class of 2023 Conservation Ambassadors have been doing in their home communities.
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.
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? Learn more about the nomination process 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!
How to Talk With Your Legislative Officials
This week’s blog is a guest post written by Paloma M., a Brookies alumni. Paloma enjoys environmental and climate studies. She is graduating high school in 2024 and loves informing those around her about the latest news about our planet, with an emphasis on politics and media. She attended Wildlife Leadership Academy to get out into the world and learn more about the environment she was reporting on.
Outreach Highlight: Celebrating Brayden’s Outreach Accomplishments
Today, we’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on one of our outstanding alums, Brayden R., whose journey since attending the Bass field school last June has been nothing short of remarkable. From utilizing his newfound knowledge to embracing creative endeavors and actively participating in community outreach, Brayden’s story encapsulates the excellent work the Class of 2023 Conservation Ambassadors have been doing in their home communities.
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.
Nominate a Teen Today!
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? Learn more about the nomination process 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