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
October 18, 2024
Invasive flathead catfish impacting Susquehanna’s food chain, researchers find
Flathead catfish — native to the Mississippi River basin — were first detected in the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania in 2002, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. In the two decades since then, the invasive species has spread throughout the river basin. The impact of the large predator on the waterway’s food webs and ecology was unknown, but now a team including researchers from Penn State is beginning to understand what Susquehanna flatheads are eating and how their presence is affecting native aquatic species in the river.
Read MoreSeptember 11, 2024
Forest ecosystem management student helps fight fires in Montana
Camryn Hornbaker, a Penn State senior majoring in forest ecosystem management, was part of a wildland firefighting crew that spent two weeks supporting firefighting efforts in eastern Montana.
Read MoreAugust 26, 2024
College of Ag Sciences faculty, students lauded at annual national conference
Several faculty members and graduate students associated with Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences recently received awards at the 70th annual North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture Conference in Wooster, Ohio.
Read MoreAugust 26, 2024
Salamanders are surprisingly abundant in Northeastern forests, study finds
Two recent studies involving Penn State researchers shed light on the ecological importance of red-backed salamanders and confirmed that proactive measures could prevent costly impacts from a wildlife disease spreading across Europe that has not yet reached North America.
Read MoreUpcoming Events
Environment, Natural Resources, and Sustainability Interest Area Visit for Prospective Students
November 1, 2024
University Park, PA
Animals Interest Area Visit for Prospective Students
November 8, 2024
University Park, PA
Plants and Green Industry Interest Area Visit for Prospective Students
November 11, 2024
University Park, PA
Fall 2024 Invited Speaker Series: Dr. Henry Scharf
November 14, 2024
217 Forest Resources Building
Department of Ecosystem Science and Management
- Office 814-865-7541
- Fax 814-865-3725