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 22, 2025

Rock Ethics Institute, Goddard Chair accepting faculty fellowship applications

The Rock Ethics Institute and the Maurice K. Goddard Chair in Forestry and Environmental Resource Conservation are now accepting applications for the 2026–27 Faculty Fellows program. The program offers a one-course release from teaching during a single academic year to support Penn State faculty with ethics-related research projects.

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September 22, 2025

Six students earn University nominations to the Rhodes and Marshall scholarships

Six Penn State students and recent alumni have been nominated for the 2026 Rhodes and Marshall scholarships, two of the most prestigious and competitive awards available to U.S. students. Nominees will submit their materials to the national review committees, and finalists will be invited to interview in November.

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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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Department of Ecosystem Science and Management

Address

117 Forest Resources Building
University Park, PA 16802
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