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

Please visit our people website to see individual contact emails

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

Solar panels floating on a pond

News

Researchers project significant energy gains from using floating solar on just 3.5% of waterbodies in the Northeastern U.S., even with approaches that preserve biodiversity and recreation.

  • Cornell Atkinson
  • Natural Resources and the Environment
  • Biodiversity
Two fisherman on a small boat cast fishing lines into the water at sunset

News

Since relocating to Upstate New York, Myanmar refugees’ relationship to fishing has shifted, from angling for food and nutrition to being a means for maintaining social connections, time outdoors and emotional well-being.

  • Natural Resources and the Environment
  • Food
  • Fish