About Us

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

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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 problems. 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 six research centers on campus that bring researchers and stakeholders together to solve specific natural resources problems.

Strategic Plan Our World-Class Faculty HistoryContact Us

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.

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 problems around the globe.
#1
In The State of Indiana

FNR program is ranked #1 in the state of Indiana.

#5
Sportsmen Friendly Institutions

FNR ranks #5 in the Sportsmen Friendly Institutions in the U.S.

#5
Best Colleges of Hunters & Anglers

FNR is ranked #5 as the Best Colleges for Hunters & Anglers in the U.S.

#1
In The State of Indiana

FNR program is ranked #1 in the state of Indiana.

#5
Sportsmen Friendly Institutions

FNR ranks #5 in the Sportsmen Friendly Institutions in the U.S.

#5
Best Colleges of Hunters & Anglers

FNR is ranked #5 as the Best Colleges for Hunters & Anglers in the U.S.

#8
Best Colleges with Fishing and Fisheries Sciences

FNR is ranked #8 in Best College with Fishing and Fisheries Sciences in the U.S.

#5
Most Popular Colleges Offering Degrees in NR
#11
Best Forestry College

FNR is ranked #11 for Best Forestry College in the U.S.

#8
Best Colleges with Fishing and Fisheries Sciences

FNR is ranked #8 in Best College with Fishing and Fisheries Sciences in the U.S.

#5
Most Popular Colleges Offering Degrees in NR

FNR is ranked as #5 Most Popular College For Natural Resources & Conservation Degree in the U.S.

#11
Best Forestry College

FNR is ranked #11 for Best Forestry College in the U.S.

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.

Kendra Huff shares her scholarship experience and this photo of her in forest.
Scholarships
Purdue Research Centers Led by FNR Faculty
FNR students and stakeholders also benefit from direct interaction with Purdue research centers that are led by our faculty, including:
43RD USGS COOPERATIVE RESEARCH UNIT (CRU) LOCATED AT PURDUE Forestry & Natural Resources
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.

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).

Facebook
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.

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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