Anthem Award Winner

illustration of an elephant and hills with a sun and sky, and the words conservation nation academy

Conservation Nation Academy

Unique trainings and resources for educators

Introduce your students to environmental careers and diverse conservation role models in a fun and interactive way!

The Conservation Nation Academy is a set of free lessons that challenge stereotypes and feature authentic conservation champions from around the world who come from diverse backgrounds and bring their unique perspectives to solve the biodiversity crisis. These lessons can be used to augment your curriculum in the classroom or as part of non-formal enrichment programs or clubs outside of the school day.

Conservation Nation Academy lessons are designed to help middle school students: 

Boost

their confidence and sense of belonging in nature

Explore

their understanding of what a conservationist is

Learn

through purposeful play

Investigate

a variety of conservation careers

Practice

mindful observation outdoors

See

themselves as conservation champions

Access Free Lessons

Contact us to request a free virtual professional learning session to introduce the Conservation Nation Academy to your school or district.

Program Updates

A ball python rests on a perch in a terrarium, with its patterned body and head visible. The enclosure features a water dish and leafy decor, creating a calm, natural habitat.

May 20, 2025

Bring Your Snake to Work Day

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Five people in winter gear smiling in a snowy landscape, holding antlers and a skull. Bright blue sky and snow-covered hills in the background.

March 17, 2025

Out WEST!

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A scientist in a lab coat smiles confidently in a bright, organized laboratory. Surrounding her are microscopes, colorful liquids, and equipment, conveying a sense of innovation and focus.

March 10, 2025

Behind the Scenes with the Conservation Nation Academy and Colossal Biosciences

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three people standing outside in the grass with trees in the background looking at video production equipment

October 29, 2024

Behind the Scenes with the Conservation Nation Academy

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two adults in a classroom holding up a large illustrated book

October 2, 2024

Bilingual Book Walks Combine Reading and Nature Appreciation!

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manatee swimming toward the camera in shallow water with the sandy bottom visible

April 18, 2024

Manatee Tales: Exploring a Real-World Conservation Challenge

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a group of young students wearing yellow waterproof boots and holding small green nets while walking in a creek

March 18, 2024

Educators: Join the Conservation Nation Academy!

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a Black woman holding a book and reading in front of a classroom

January 24, 2024

Training “Nature-Wise” Teachers

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two young Black school girls wearing blue shirts standing in a lab speaking to the camera

November 30, 2023

Exciting New Lessons Coming to the Conservation Nation Academy

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a young Black female student composting on a table in a school classroom with some plants in the background

April 5, 2023

Spring Education Update from Diane Lill

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two Black women looking at a phone while standing at a table filled with educational material

March 16, 2023

New Middle School Lessons Coming in 2023

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three people standing outside in the grass with trees in the background looking at video production equipment

October 29, 2024

Behind the Scenes with the Conservation Nation Academy

This excerpt will appear in custom locations, e.g. Grant Program Information Related Grant Page
Read the Update
two adults in a classroom holding up a large illustrated book

October 2, 2024

Bilingual Book Walks Combine Reading and Nature Appreciation!

This excerpt will appear in custom locations, e.g. Grant Program Information Related Grant Page
Read the Update
manatee swimming toward the camera in shallow water with the sandy bottom visible

April 18, 2024

Manatee Tales: Exploring a Real-World Conservation Challenge

This excerpt will appear in custom locations, e.g. Grant Program Information Related Grant Page
Read the Update
a group of young students wearing yellow waterproof boots and holding small green nets while walking in a creek

March 18, 2024

Educators: Join the Conservation Nation Academy!

This excerpt will appear in custom locations, e.g. Grant Program Information Related Grant Page
Read the Update
a Black woman holding a book and reading in front of a classroom

January 24, 2024

Training “Nature-Wise” Teachers

This excerpt will appear in custom locations, e.g. Grant Program Information Related Grant Page
Read the Update
two young Black school girls wearing blue shirts standing in a lab speaking to the camera

November 30, 2023

Exciting New Lessons Coming to the Conservation Nation Academy

This excerpt will appear in custom locations, e.g. Grant Program Information Related Grant Page
Read the Update

Educator Signup

Be the first to hear about new lesson resources, trainings, and opportunities with Conservation Nation Education Programs!

We will randomly draw one name quarterly to win your choice of binoculars or a set of nature books!

Sign up now

Thank you to our partners

Many thanks to the following teachers who tested the Conservation Nation Academy lessons with their students and provided valuable input to us during the 2024 pilot:
Eniade Abiodun | Jacqueline Anderson | Andrea Andrew | Tiffany Baker | Aisha Bari | Deborah J. Branch | Vishaun Ezell | Christienne Coleman-Warren | Sade Fountain | Amor Hernando | Sunita Jacob | Kyven Jones | J. Kasigwa Kyaligonza | Raquel Kelley | LaSonya King | Melissa King | Tabia Muhammad | Rosalyne Grace Njoke | Elaine Ramos | Gina Salcedo | Doris J. Santiago-Lopez | Saroj Shukla | Shawna Stefanak | Forrest Turetsky | Rose Natalie Yabes