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 7, 2025
Wild mushrooms harvesters in Mid-Atlantic region collect fungi, build community
New research conducted by ethnobiologists — scientists who study the relationships between people and their environments — at Penn State revealed that harvesters collect a surprisingly wide variety of wild mushroom species in the region, primarily for food and medicinal purposes. In addition to foraging varied fungi, the researchers found that harvesters built communities focused on knowledge sharing and expansion.
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October 7, 2025
Wild mushroom harvesters in mid-Atlantic region collect fungi, build community
New research conducted by ethnobiologists — scientists who study the relationships between people and their environments — at Penn State revealed that harvesters collect a surprisingly wide variety of wild mushroom species in the region, primarily for food and medicinal purposes. In addition to foraging varied fungi, the researchers found that harvesters built communities focused on knowledge sharing and expansion.
Read More
October 6, 2025
Penn State alumna named to lead Department of Ecosystem Science and Management
Carrie Laboski, a Penn State alumna and research leader for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service’s Pasture Systems & Watershed Management Research Unit, University Park, has been named head of the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, effective Nov. 3.
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October 1, 2025
Penn State student hones passion for environmental policy as state agency intern
Caroline Hunter, a senior majoring in environmental resource management in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, had the opportunity to grow her knowledge of environmental policy during a summer internship with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
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Upcoming Events

Animals Interest Area Visit for Prospective Students
October 17, 2025
University Park, PA

Plants and Green Industry Interest Area Visit for Prospective Students
October 27, 2025
University Park, PA

Environment, Natural Resources, and Sustainability Interest Area Visit for Prospective Students
October 31, 2025
University Park, PA

Animals Interest Area Visit for Prospective Students
November 14, 2025
University Park, PA
Department of Ecosystem Science and Management
- Office 814-865-7541
- Fax 814-865-3725