About OWLS

The  Outdoor Wilderness and Leadership School is a 501(c)(3)  non-profit organization founded in 2010 by wilderness expert, Dawn Bello.  While an outdoor skills instructor for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Dawn recognized a need for programming that extended well beyond the reach of the agency.  Despite extensive work with partner organizations and outdoor experts, there was still a shortage of programming.  Dawn developed OWLS to meet this need and by working through key partners, created a highly sought-after wilderness education program.  Dawn also partnered with several other non-profit organizations and brought in a team of SERE trained retired military staff, which led to the wilderness program growing in size, breadth and depth of offerings.  OWLS was able to also partner with native and edible foods experts including such notable figures as Mark Merriweather Vorderbruggen and David Renninger, Park Superintendent at Big Bend Ranch.  

In 2022 OWLS added a location in the GA/SC lowlands to provide learning in cultural resource interpretation. OWLS broadened its programming to include interpretive training and consulting services for professionals and students.  In addition, the training component is being expanded to include self-paced online courses for teachers and aspiring outdoor recreation, interpretation, and resource management students.  Material is based on real-world issues and situations for attaining both college and continuing education credits.  The school provides unique lesson plans for classroom and informal educators, including home schooling parents. 

For more information about our founder, click the link below.