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
September 12, 2025
Tidal marshes trap microplastics, raising risks for ecosystems and people
Freshwater tidal marshes trap large amounts of diverse plastics and the most hazardous polymers — such as the large molecules found in single-use plastics — are posing significant environmental dangers, according to a new study by researchers at Penn State.
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September 8, 2025
Penn State to host flood risk management forum Sept. 9 and 10
On the heels of the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Penn State faculty will host the Goddard Forum 2025 — Flood Risk in the Mid-Atlantic, with the aim of enhancing collaboration and engagement in flood risk management.
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September 4, 2025
Invasive flathead catfish now top predators in Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania
Flathead catfish, opportunistic predators native to the Mississippi River basin, have the potential to decimate native and recreational fisheries, disrupting ecosystems in rivers where they become established after their introduction or invasion from a nearby river drainage. A team of researchers from Penn State, the U.S. Geological Survey and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission assessed how flatheads are affecting the food web and energy flow in the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania.
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August 27, 2025
Research sheds light on Beech Creek’s struggle with abandoned mine drainage
Penn State graduate students conducted research on Beech Creek’s abandoned mine drainage, using community input and educational outreach to promote awareness and restoration efforts.
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Upcoming Events

Animals Interest Area Visit for Prospective Students
September 15, 2025
University Park, PA

Plants and Green Industry Interest Area Visit for Prospective Students
September 26, 2025
University Park, PA

Penn State Day with the College of Ag Sciences
October 13, 2025
University Park, PA

Animals Interest Area Visit for Prospective Students
October 17, 2025
University Park, PA
Department of Ecosystem Science and Management
- Office 814-865-7541
- Fax 814-865-3725