Department of Ecosystem Science and Management

Penn State’s home for the sustainable management of our natural resources.

The Department of Ecosystem Science and Management prepares students for careers in the conservation and management of natural and human-dominated ecosystems. We focus on preparing leaders to overcome critical obstacles to healthy fisheries, wildlife, soils, forests, water, agriculture, and agroecosystems.

Teaching

Ecosystem Science and Management undergraduate and graduate academic programs integrate the science, technology, and management skills needed to understand and conserve our valuable natural resources. Learning takes place in the classroom, the laboratory, and in forests, fields, and waterways.

Research

Penn State is a Tier 1 Research University. As such, our students—from first-semester students to doctoral candidates—participate in meaningful research. Current focus areas include Forest Health, Restoring Ecosystem Function and Service, Scaling Up Ecosystem Management, and Watershed Resilience.

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Extension and Outreach

Our outreach work connects the resources of the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management with community members, industry, and institutions in Pennsylvania and beyond by offering the latest research-based information and meaningful programming for adults and youth.

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Facilities

The Forest Resources Building houses classrooms and laboratories and serves as our departmental home. Our facilities also include the Land Analysis Lab, Forestland Management Office, Soil Research Cluster Laboratory, Center for Private Forests, Schatz Center for Tree Molecular Genetics, and more.

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