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

March 26, 2026

Students visit Costa Rica to study agriculture, agroforestry and development

A group of students from the College of Agricultural Sciences and School of International Affairs spent their 2026 spring break in Costa Rica, learning about sustainable agricultural production, agroforestry systems, rural development, and Costa Rican history and culture. The trip exemplified interdisciplinary expertise and collaboration, the impact of experiential learning on student success, and the value of global engagement.

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March 25, 2026

Penn State assistant professor a keynote speaker at Iceland Alien Species event

Deah Lieurance, assistant professor of invasive species biology and management in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, was one of five keynote speakers at the Alien Species in Iceland Workshop hosted by the Marine and Freshwater Institute in Hafnarfjörður, Iceland, on March 16-17, sponsored by the Natural Science Institute of Iceland and Fulbright Iceland.

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March 18, 2026

Science-minded student charts research, service path at Penn State

When Eva SinhaRoy arrived at University Park a couple years ago, she was a little overwhelmed at the possibilities. The science-minded student knew she wanted to focus on research, but she also wanted to build skills in other areas such as leadership. Since then, she's found her place in undergraduate research, leadership, and campus activities such as THON and the Presidential Leadership Academy.

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February 6, 2026

College of Agricultural Sciences celebrates faculty, staff of 25 years

The Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences recently celebrated 26 faculty and staff members who have been with the college for 25 years.

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Department of Ecosystem Science and Management

Address

117 Forest Resources Building
University Park, PA 16802
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