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 section of Natural Resources and the Environment within the Ashley School of Global Development 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

Please visit our people website to see individual contact emails

Did you know?

Founded in 1911

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

Fernow Hall

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

Pioneering firsts

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

News

Katherine Sinacore

Spotlight

Academic focus: Forest restoration ecology, natural resource management, environmental economics Research summary: My research examines how biophysical and socioeconomic factors shape forest restoration and management outcomes. I combine field...
  • Natural Resources and the Environment Section
  • Ashley School of Global Development and the Environment
Olaf Jensen

Spotlight

Academic focus: Sustainable fisheries; ecology of marine, estuarine and freshwater ecosystems Research summary: Research in my lab spans a range from field studies of recreational fisheries and climate change in the U.S. and Mongolia to impacts...
  • Natural Resources and the Environment Section
  • Biological Field Station
  • Ashley School of Global Development and the Environment