Conservation Education Program Developed by IU13 Expands Nationally, Reaching Hundreds of Students Across Multiple States

LANCASTER, PA — What began as an innovative partnership designed to connect Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13 (IU13) students with nature and conservation is now growing into a multi-state model for environmental education, reaching hundreds of learners and inspiring the next generation of conservation advocates.

Developed through a collaboration between Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13 (IU13) and Delta Waterfowl, the Road to Conservation and Adventure program was created to provide hands-on, accessible outdoor learning experiences for students of all developmental levels. Since its launch in Pennsylvania in 2024, the program has expanded beyond state borders into Mississippi and Iowa, introducing nearly 600 children to wildlife conservation, environmental stewardship, and outdoor recreation.

The program was co-developed by Andrea Fellows, STEM Teacher Supervisor at IU13, and Matt Kneisley, Senior Regional Director for Delta Waterfowl, with a vision of creating meaningful learning experiences that would engage students through real-world science, conservation, and outdoor exploration.

“This is such a powerful opportunity for students to learn about the outdoors, respect their environment, and become informed citizens who will help care for wildlife and natural resources in the future,” said Fellows. “Our goal was not only to teach conservation, but also to open doors to new hobbies, interests, and even future career pathways.”

The initiative first took shape through IU13’s center-based emotional support program, where more than 200 students participated in classroom lessons and field experiences at Pennsylvania’s Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area. Students explored bird identification, reviewed trail camera footage, tracked waterfowl migrations using GPS technology, participated in Delta Waterfowl’s Adopt-a-Hen program, and engaged in a variety of hands-on conservation activities.

Field experiences brought learning to life as students built wood duck nesting boxes, painted duck silhouettes, learned about bird banding, practiced duck calling, and explored wildlife habitats alongside conservation professionals and volunteers.

“These experiences allowed students to feel like scientists and conservationists,” said Fellows. “They weren’t simply learning about wildlife. They were actively participating in conservation and making meaningful connections between science and the world around them.”

The program’s success quickly demonstrated its potential to serve a broader audience. Through partnerships with Delta Waterfowl chapters, conservation agencies, educators, and community volunteers, the Road to Conservation and Adventure was expanded into new states. Most recently, the program was featured at the fifth annual Delta Waterfowl Duck Hunters Expo in Des Moines, Iowa, where students participated in conservation-focused activities including building nesting boxes, wildlife identification, duck calling, and learning about environmental stewardship.

For many participants, the experience provided a first introduction to the outdoors and wildlife conservation. Families and educators reported increased student engagement, curiosity, confidence, and enthusiasm for learning long after the events concluded.

“When Andrea reached out to collaborate, I knew this was the opportunity I had been waiting for,” said Kneisley. “The students inspired us as much as we inspired them. Watching them track duck migrations, build nesting boxes, and connect with conservation in a meaningful way reminded us why this work matters. Their excitement has fueled the growth of this program.”

The Road to Conservation and Adventure has continued to evolve, incorporating emerging technologies and new learning opportunities. Students now engage in activities such as GPS migration tracking, drone-assisted wildlife identification, STEM competitions, bird banding demonstrations, and wildlife photography workshops. Each experience is designed to make conservation accessible, interactive, and relevant for diverse learners.

Environmental education partners from the Pennsylvania Game Commission, Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, Delta Waterfowl chapters, and IU13 educators have been instrumental in the program’s success. Together, they have created an educational model that combines science, nature, technology, and community collaboration.

As the program expands into additional states and provinces, organizers hope to continue reaching students who may not otherwise have opportunities to experience the outdoors or explore careers related to conservation and environmental science.

“What started in Pennsylvania has become something much larger than we ever imagined,” said Fellows. “Seeing students from different communities and states connect through conservation shows the power of hands-on learning and strong partnerships. We’re proud that a program developed through IU13 is helping inspire future conservationists across North America.”

Contributing source:
https://deltawaterfowl.org/whats-new/news/raising-future-conservationists/