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 27, 2025
Small group of users drive invasive species awareness on social media
In the age of social media, the battle against invasive species in nature is increasingly unfolding online. A new study analyzing over 500,000 tweets posted between 2006 and 2021 found that that mammals, especially urban pests like cats, pigs and squirrels, dominated online conversation with aquatic habitats and island ecosystems as frequent backdrops for viral posts.
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October 16, 2025
Donors plant seeds of hope, honor family through Ag Sciences scholarship
Through a $50,000 gift and the support of her extended family, including her nephew, Joe Walker, Maureen Bail has created the Helen M., Ignatius J., and Joseph A. Bail Scholarship in Forest Ecosystem Management.
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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
Upcoming Events
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
Environment, Natural Resources, and Sustainability Interest Area Visit for Prospective Students
December 1, 2025
University Park, PA
Department of Ecosystem Science and Management
- Office 814-865-7541
- Fax 814-865-3725