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) 255-2821 or (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

Steven Mana'oakamai Johnson wearing a yellow and white shirt standing with arms folded.

Spotlight

Academic focus: Ocean conservation and social-ecological systems. Research summary: I study the relationship between people and the ocean, ranging from Indigenous Pacific Islander communities traditionally managing coral reefs to geopolitical...
  • American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program
  • Natural Resources and the Environment
  • Development Sociology
Dan Katz stands in front of a background of green trees.

Spotlight

Academic focus: Plant ecology and environmental health. Research summary: My goal is to generate the ecological knowledge necessary to address plant-related public health problems. Much of my research centers on allergenic pollen, from creating...
  • Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
  • Natural Resources and the Environment
  • School of Integrative Plant Science