About Us

Purdue’s Department of Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) is one of the leading natural resources programs in the nation. FNR is Indiana’s only degree-granting, research and extension institution in the fields of forestry, wildlife ecology and aquatic sciences.

Contact Us

Department of Forestry & Natural Resources
purduefnr@purdue.edu
715 Mitch Daniels Blvd. 
West Lafayette, IN 47906
(765) 494-3590

Meet the Department

FNR’s 2021-26 Strategic Plan​ shares our vision and mission to be a world leader in natural resources sciences, as we educate and train undergraduate and graduate students to the highest standards, conduct ground-breaking research, engage and educate stakeholders through extension efforts, and create an inclusive culture that supports and respects all people.

Our world-class faculty in forestry, wildlife, fisheries & aquatic sciences, natural resources social science, and interdisciplinary ecology is helping solve some of the world’s most important natural resource challenges. Our faculty, staff and students are conducting cutting-edge research advancing everything from the science of digital forestry to soundscape ecology, to the genetics of hardwood trees and rare wildlife species, to the conservation of threatened fish and wildlife species.

The expertise of our faculty and staff includes molecular biology, genetics, physiology, tissue culture, forest biology and measurements, fisheries and aquatic sciences, wildlife sciences, spatial ecology, remote sensing, use of big data, sensor technology, natural resource social science, quantitative ecology, and wood products. FNR faculty lead four research centers on campus that bring researchers and stakeholders together to solve specific natural resources problems.

 

We prepare our graduates for natural resource careers through course content and teaching techniques that reflect state-of-the-art knowledge and practices, as well as hands-on learning.

Our undergraduate students have the choice of three majors: Aquatic Sciences, Forestry, and Wildlife. FNR’s graduate program also offers Master of Science, Master of Science in Forestry and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in these focal areas.

On the West Lafayette campus, our administrative offices and forestry faculty are housed in Pfendler Hall (PFEN). The fisheries and aquatic sciences, wildlife, and natural resource social sciences faculty are located in the Forestry Building (FORS), while the wood products faculty are on the first floor of the Forest Products Building (FPRD). We have additional laboratories, classrooms, and offices in off-campus locations as well. FNR also owns and manages 4,173 acres of forest land distributed among 25 properties around the State of Indiana, which provide opportunities for research, extension and education.

A New Indoors... For a Great Outdoors

FNR new building concept plan.We recently completed a concept plan and are raising funds for a New Forestry and Natural Resources Building that will allow us to recruit the very best students, capture new research and educational opportunities, and promote greater communication, innovation and synergy among students, faculty, and staff.

FNR operates within the Purdue College of Agriculture under the leadership of interim department head and professor Dr. Zhao Ma. The department includes 33 faculty members and 57 staff members, which fill teaching, research and extension roles.

Send your questions and comments about FNR enrollment to joinfnr@purdue.edu or general questions and comments to fnrweb@purdue.edu.

Discover Innovation & Success

Purdue Forestry & Natural Resources is one of the country’s leading natural resources programs, and Indiana’s only degree-granting and research program in forestry, wildlife and aquatic sciences. Our world-class expertise prepares the next generation of professionals, continues to discover new knowledge, and works together with key stakeholders in the science, management and sustainable use of natural resources. Together we are helping solve some of the most important natural resource challenges around the globe.

Inside FNR

FNR is on the cutting edge of research involving everything from digital forestry to soundscape technology to the genetics of hardwood trees and rare wildlife species that have major environmental and economic impacts. Our faculty, staff and students conduct leading research that advances science and helps solve problems of regional, national and global significance associated with the protection, management, and sustainable use of forests, wildlife, fisheries and aquatic ecosystems. We aim to prepare our graduates through course content and teaching techniques that reflect state-of-the-art knowledge and practices, as well as hands-on learning.

The faculty, staff, and students in Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources are renowned for their excellence and have received numerous accolades for their contributions to research, teaching, and extension. Check out the faculty, staff, undergraduate and graduate sections to get a glimpse at our award winners by year.

The Department of Forestry and Natural Resources maintains an impressive collection of state-of-the-art research and education facilities.

The mission of the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources is to develop and disseminate knowledge in the natural resource sciences associated with the protection, management, and sustainable use of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. These ecosystems contain a variety of resources, including fish and wildlife, outdoor recreational opportunities, timber, and water.

FNR students and stakeholders also benefit from direct interaction with Purdue research centers that are led by our faculty, including:

The Indiana Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit is a partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey, Department of Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Purdue University, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, and the Wildlife Management Institute.

FNR is Indiana’s only degree-granting, research and extension institution in the fields of forestry, wildlife ecology and aquatic sciences.

Forestry students have been retreating to the woods for over 80 summers, gaining first-hand knowledge and practical field experience no classroom lecture can match. And while many schools are scaling back their summer camp programs, Purdue has expanded the program to include students majoring in aquatic sciences and wildlife.

Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) scholarships are available for prospective and current students. One in four students receive scholarships in FNR. Approximately 82 scholarships are awarded each year.

Connect With Us

See student stories, photos and videos on Instagram (@Purdue FNR), Facebook (Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources), X platform (@PurdueFNR) and YouTube (Purdue FNR).

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Purdue University, #1 Most Recognized Public University in the U.S from American Caldwell, 2024, americancaldwell.com. Purdue Agriculture #3 College of Agriculture in the U.S. from QS World University Rankings, topuniversities.com/university-subject-rankings/agriculture-forestry/

Learn More About Us

Amanda Heltzel, wildlife major, receives Stanley Coulter Leadership Award.

FNR Honors Students, Alumni at Virtual Awards Ceremony

Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources recognized the department’s student and alumni award winners at a virtual ceremony on April 20, 2021.

Learn more
Dr. Liz Flaherty holding jawbone with students identifying other jawbones in the background.

TWS Honors Flaherty with Excellence in Education Award

After being named as the Student Chapter Advisor of the Year by The Wildlife Society in June 2020, Dr. Elizabeth Flaherty is again being honored by TWS.

Learn more