What began with that first group of students in 2007 has grown into a statewide community of more than 1,300 students and alumni who are making an impact in their communities and in the field of conservation.
On Sunday, November 1, the Wildlife Leadership Academy will celebrate that history with its 20th Anniversary Celebration at the Rowland Theater, 127 N. Front Street in Philipsburg, Centre County from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
At the heart of the afternoon will be the premiere of WLA’s 20th Anniversary documentary, a film created to capture the people, stories and experiences that have shaped the Academy over the past two decades.
Guests will also be able to explore displays featuring WLA’s history and student projects while enjoying hors d’oeuvres, movie treats and desserts.
Since its first field school, WLA has provided young people with opportunities to learn alongside wildlife professionals, develop leadership skills and turn their passion for wildlife and conservation into action.
Over the past 20 years, WLA alumni have completed thousands of community outreach projects and engaged more than 200,000 people through conservation education, service, media, creative arts, and mentorship activities.
For many students, the impact of WLA extends far beyond a single week of field school.
Madison, a 2025 Bucktails student, described her experience as transformative-- “The hands-on experiences and connections with wildlife professionals were everything I had hoped for. I gained skills like confidence, communication, and a deeper understanding of wildlife. This experience truly changed my life and confirmed my passion for this field.”
Her story is one of many that demonstrate the lasting impact of the Academy.
Students often return to WLA in new roles, as Youth Mentors, Apprentices and members of the summer staff, continuing to grow as leaders while helping create the same opportunities for the students who follow them.
That cycle of learning and giving back has become a defining part of WLA’s history.
Alumni have taken what they learned through the Academy into schools, communities, conservation organizations, and careers across Pennsylvania and beyond.
The anniversary celebration offers an opportunity to recognize not only the growth of the Academy, but also the thousands of people who have helped make that growth possible.
The celebration is open to the public, and guests do not need to be current or former WLA participants to attend.
Tickets are available ranging in price from $15–$75, allowing attendees to choose a ticket that works for their financial situation.
Visit the WLA 20th Anniversary Celebration webpage for tickets and more information.
The Wildlife Leadership Academy empowers high school-aged youth to become Conservation Ambassadors through hands-on learning, mentorship and leadership development.
Related Articles This Week:
-- Wildlife Leadership Academy Celebrates 20 Years Of Inspiring The Next Generation Of Conservation Leaders Nov. 1 At The Rowland Theater In Philipsburg [PaEN]
-- French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust Partners With Landowners Bernie & Kathleen McElroy To Preserve 13 Acres In Chester County [PaEN]
-- New Freshwater Mussel Conservation Plan To Help Guide Conservation Efforts In Pennsylvania; Nov. 16 Webinar On Mussel Plan [PaEN]
-- Western PA Conservancy, Partners To Improve Fish Habitat On South Branch French Creek In Erie County [PaEN]
-- Swarthmore College Hosts The Swarthmore Fungi Fest Sept. 29 to Oct. 2 [PaEN]
[Posted: September 16, 2026] PA Environment Digest
No comments :
Post a Comment