Thaden Earns School of Conservation Leadership Designation

Led by Middle School Science Faculty Lauren Heil and supported by the work of many across campus, Thaden has earned the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s School of Conservation Leadership designation for 2026–29.To earn the designation, Thaden completed a rigorous three-phase process that included conservation curriculum and projects, outdoor learning, citizen science, professional development, community partnerships, and a final on-campus evaluation by AGFC education leaders.

Of the 65 schools participating in this year’s cohort, Thaden was one of 31 to earn the designation. The recognition also includes $1,000 in outdoor education equipment to support continued hands-on conservation learning across our campus and curriculum.