WILDLIFE VIEWING & NATURE TOURISM ACADEMY
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  • Home
  • Registration
  • Program
    • 2026 Schedule
    • Call for Presentations
    • Archives
  • Travel Logistics
  • Sponsor Opportunities
  • Contact Us

wildlife viewing & nature tourism ACADEMY

Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies Logo (AFWA)
February 16-20, 2026
WAshington
Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife

Join fellow Wildlife Viewing & Nature Tourism Professionals!

February 16-20, 2026, Cedarbrook Lodge, Seattle, Washington

Plans are underway to make the 6th Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ Wildlife Viewing and Nature Tourism Academy our best yet! Join us as we continue the exchange of information and resources among wildlife viewing and nature tourism professionals.
 
This Academy is unique, bringing together professionals from state, federal, municipal, non-profit, and private organizations to share and discuss real-world examples, case studies, and processes for nature tourism programs and projects throughout North America. As Chair of the WVNT Working Group, I feel confident you will benefit from this academy. From our keynote presentations and breakout sessions to the networking events and field trips, the days are full of high value opportunities. Make plans now to join us in Seattle!
 
Shelly Plante
Nature Tourism Manager
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

What Is the Academy & Who Should Attend 

The Academy is a hands-on practical training aimed at connecting professionals and providing them with technical support, job and project inspiration, and practical expertise to help them accomplish their goals and enrich their careers. All wildlife diversity, wildlife viewing, wildlife education and nature tourism professionals within state and federal agencies, nature centers, non-profit organizations that work in this space, universities with related research, and more are encouraged to attend.

2026 Academy Updates & Announcements

  • Sponsor opportunities available! 
  • Attendee registration is open! Sign up early to $ave.
  • Overnight accommodations are available at a discounted group rate. Make a reservation by January 26, 2026!

Thank You to Our 2025 Sponsors!

Orca Level

White-tailed deer, ruffed grouse, and Canada geese. It also includes a beaver lodge, and a bald eagle in a yellow bordered circle with mountain range, eastern hemlock, mountain laurel, and the iconic keystone shape. Inside it reads
Oval image with bird, fish, deer, crab icons on top of a mountain and river scene. Green and black writing next to it reading
Blue circle with a billy goat in the center with green and red mountains and a blue stream behind it. Yellow writing reading

Pronghorn Level

Picture
Green Square with white and green border with white writing reading
Green square with white zebra pattern with black and green writing reading

Chinook Salmon Level

Picture
Black circle with white skyline and white and red writing reading

Western Bumblebee Level

- Kansas Wildscape Foundation
- Puget Sound Express
- Responsive Management
- Southwick & Associates

2026 meeting location: Seattle, WA

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