We take a multidisciplinary approach to tackle the biggest challenges of our time.

Unique among peer institutions in the United States, the breadth of disciplinary expertise in the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment – from ethics and social sciences to conservation genetics and applied ecology – creates a stimulating multidisciplinary atmosphere for our students, staff, faculty and visiting scholars. We have strong collaborative ties across Cornell University, other universities, governmental agencies, and leading environmental and conservation organizations.

Consistently ranked among the top college environmental programs in the nation, we contribute creative and impactful science and education to address many of the urgent environmental issues of the 21st century. We provide essential information to communities, conservation and environmental professionals, policymakers, educators and researchers worldwide.

Contact us

Mailing address:
226 Mann Drive
111 Fernow Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853

Phone for general inquiries:
 (607) 255-2822

Fax: (607) 255-0349

Department facts

Founded in 1911

The department was founded by Liberty Hyde Bailey in 1911 as the Department of Forestry.

Fernow Hall

Originally built in 1915, the department’s home, Fernow Hall, underwent a major renovation in 2014 and is now LEED Gold certified.

Department firsts

Early faculty members wrote foundational textbooks that shaped the field of natural resources as we know it.

News

Yu Jiang operates a research drone with a graduate student.

News

CALS’ Research and Innovation Office is offering $10,000-$50,000 awards to support proposal development, patent or technology development, commercialization or community uses of AI.
  • Cornell AgriTech
  • Cornell Cooperative Extension
  • Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station
Harry, Josh and Jimmy Tsujimoto at their family's farm

News

The newly named seminar series — the Harry ’51 and Joshua ’49 Tsujimoto Perspectives in Global Development Seminar Series — will enable all invited speakers to visit campus to speak on the world’s most urgent challenges. During their time on...
  • Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management
  • Department of Global Development
  • Natural Resources and the Environment