About the Department
Our vision is to forge a sustainable future where ecosystems and people thrive.
Our mission is to create a bright future for humanity by keeping forests healthy, waterways clean, soils fertile, and native wildlife and fish abundant.
Our diverse and inclusive community fosters new discoveries, pioneers cutting-edge science, prepares students for meaningful careers, inspires the next generation of leaders, and builds partnerships to devise innovative management solutions to the greatest environmental challenges of our time.
We proudly serve with our communities locally to globally to better steward Earth's ecosystems.
We accomplish our mission through Teaching, Research, and Extension.
Our teaching provides undergraduate students hands-on experience with real-world applications, excellent internship experiences, and robust scholarship opportunities. Our graduate education offers master of science and doctor of philosophy degrees rooted in research through our core science and management disciplines.
Research programs focus on generating the new knowledge needed to restore, conserve, and better manage ecosystems to be more sustainable. Research includes all areas of natural and agricultural ecosystems, wildlife and fisheries sciences, forest sciences, hydrological sciences, and soil sciences.
Extension programs led by the Department help people make informed decisions that improve their own well-being and ensure clean water, viable populations of native wildlife, recreational opportunities, attractive communities, and the sustainable production of wood and paper products.
Meet our faculty, staff, and students, and learn more about our academic home. Welcome!
Latest News
January 24, 2023
Forest Landowners Conference slated for State College on March 24-25
Hundreds of landowners, natural resources and forestry professionals, and conservationists interested in forests will gather at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center in State College on March 24-25 to learn how to better care for their woodlands. The fifth biennial Forest Landowners Conference is hosted by Penn State’s James C. Finley Center for Private Forests, Penn State Extension and partners.
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January 23, 2023
Assistant professor in College of Ag Sciences, Extension gets early career award
Tyler Groh, assistant research professor in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, has received the 2022 Inspiring Early Career Scientist Award from the American Society of Agronomy’s Environmental Quality Section.
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January 13, 2023
Penn State forest hydrologist receives prestigious award for career-long work
David DeWalle, Penn State professor emeritus of forest hydrology, has been awarded the 2023 Warren A. Hall Medal from the Universities Council on Water Resources.
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December 12, 2022
Study examines feeding damage caused by spotted lanternflies on young maples
Short-term, heavy feeding by adult spotted lanternflies on young maple trees inhibits photosynthesis, potentially impairing the tree’s growth by up to 50%, according to a new study by Penn State scientists.
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Department of Ecosystem Science and Management
- Office 814-865-7541
- Fax 814-865-3725