Past and Present

Welcome to FNR Past and Present

The Department of Forestry and Natural Resources has trained professional foresters for the last 100+ years. These graduates, whether their careers were in forestry or some other field, have made major contributions to the economy and society of Indiana, the United States, and the World. More recently we’ve trained professional wildlife and fisheries scientists who’ve made equally significant contributions. We’ve also made major contributions through forestry, wildlife and fisheries research. Since the start of our program in 1905 with only two courses, we have added an extension program, numerous courses that form our three majors which include Aquatic Sciences, Forestry and Wildlife, along with minors in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Forest Ecosystems, Furniture Design, Urban Forestry, Wildlife and Wood Products. Students continue to receive the opportunity to utilize new technologies in studies and research.

Our intent is to use this website for our alumni and friends to directly participant in the past and future of the Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources Department without time limits. We are very fortunate to have a departmental yearbook, the Purdue Log, to help bring back memories. These are still being scanned and posted to this website. Many of you will be interested in the History of Summer Camp. This page will have links to the Purdue Log summer camp stories. If you are a Lost Lake alumnus you will want to keep up-to-date on the Reunion at Lost Lake for future years. The Camp was completely remodeled in 2012, actually rebuilt. The History of the Department is an ongoing project.

Tell us your story: We’d like to know what’s been up in your life since graduation. Equally important we’d like your memories of your time with us, especially at summer camp. You can communicate with us by Facebook or by e-mail to fnrweb@purdue.edu​. If you do a Facebook posting we’ll assume it’s OK to post your stories on this website. If you communicate by e-mail please let us know if you don’t want your story posted.

  • Tell us what you've been up to since graduation.
  • Message us on Facebook about your story (we will assume you approve posting it to the website).
  • Email us at wendymayer@purdue.edu and let us know if you approve of it being posted.

What's Trending for FNR

Two Purdue students compete in the Jack and Jack double buck competition at Midwest Conclave 2026
FNR Students Experience Midwest Forestry Conclave

The Purdue student chapter of the Society of American Foresters participated in the 69th Midwest...

Read More
The Ecology of Natural Disturbances class stands in front of the Smoky Mountains.
Disturbance Ecology Comes to Life on Spring Break Trip

Every other year, the FNR 53600/53601 Ecology of Natural Disturbances class takes a spring break...

Read More
Dr. Eva Haviarova receives her SWST fellow certificate in Korea; Haviarova stands with research posters about her work at the SWST conference.
Haviarova Named International Society of Wood Science and Technology Fellow

Eva Haviarova, professor of wood science, has been named a fellow of the International Society of...

Read More
A landscape photo of a waterfall in Sweden, taken by Sam Lillie.
FNR Field Report: Sam Lillie Provides Sweden-Norway Study Abroad Week 3 Recap

Senior Sam Lillie provides a recap of the Week 3 action during the Sustainable Natural Resources...

Read More
Facade of Pfendler Hall
FNR Celebrates Awards, Honors from Spring, Summer 2026

Several Forestry and Natural Resources students, staff and recent alumni have been recognized for...

Read More
Scientist uses 3D water sensor near water.
Purdue Researchers Use 3D Printing to Make Open-Source Alternative to Costly Groundwater Sensors

A plume of contamination spreads underground. A building's foundation weakens. A wetland...

Read More