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.
Latest News
Upcoming Events

Fall 2023 Invited Speaker Series: Dr. Bryan Black
October 19, 2023
217 Forest Resources Building

Fall 2023 Invited Speaker Series Dr. Malak Tfaily
November 16, 2023
217 Forest Resources Building

Fall 2023 Invited Speaker Series Bharat Sharma Acharya
December 7, 2023
217 Forest Resources Building

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.

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.

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.