Natural Resource Ecology & Management Viewbook - LSU College of Agriculture

COLLEGE OF

AGRICULTURE

NATURAL RESOURCE ECOLOGY & MANAGEMENT

FORCE OF NATURE We love our gumbo-hued water and all the critters that live there. We love our tall pines and ancient, sweeping live oaks. We want to protect and conserve them. We want to help the natural world thrive.

A Bachelor of Science in natural resource ecology and management from LSU’s School of Renewable Natural Resources gives you the tools to help. Study wetlands, wildlife, conservation biology,

fisheries, aquaculture, forestry, and habitat management. Additionally, our students get the foundation needed to become a wildlife-oriented veterinarian or to pursue a career in environmental law. The curriculum and community are as diverse as the wonderfully varied wildlife in Louisiana.

Our program also includes numerous opportunities for international study. This isn’t a traditional biology program. We take a hands-on approach to learning.

CONSERVATION BIOLOGY FOREST ENTERPRISE WILDLIFE ECOLOGY FOREST MANAGEMENT FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION WETLAND SCIENCE PRE-VETERINARY MEDICINE – WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES WILDLIFE HABITAT CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT

CONCENTRATIONS Conservation Biology: Conserve rare, uncommon, threatened, or endangered species — like the whooping crane or our state bird, the brown pelican — and learn about their habitats and genetics so you can help these species.

Forest Enterprise: Focus on the business aspects of forestry and wood products.

Forestry is the largest agricultural sector in Louisiana, and wood, paper, and other forest products and enterprises contribute greatly to local, state, and national economies.

Wildlife Ecology: Study the varied kinds of wildlife that make Louisiana the Sportsman’s Paradise, including game animals such as deer and ducks. Learn to protect other ecologically important species.

Forest Management: Explore the complex challenges of managing forests for various uses. Specifically designed to prepare students to become certified foresters, this concentration includes eight weeks of study at Lee Memorial Forest.

Fisheries and Aquaculture: Prepare for managing, conserving, and improving populations of aquatic life in the wild or in aquaculture and explore commercial aspects of fisheries and aquaculture.

HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE IN THE FIELD

Ecological Restoration: Learn the principles of forestry and natural resource management so you can conserve and restore our woodlands, marshes, and other natural landscapes.

Wetland Science: Study our wetlands, which provide wildlife and fish habitat, help maintain water quality and benefit our economy.

Pre-Veterinary Medicine – Wildlife or Fisheries: Prepare for a career as a wildlife or zoo veterinarian. These veterinarians typically work for state or

federal agencies, non-governmental environmental organizations, wildlife rehabilitation facilities, or zoos and aquariums. This option includes courses required for application to the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine.

Wildlife Habitat Conservation and Management: Manage forests, wetlands and other habitats to promote wildlife.

Take one of two paths — one focused on wetland wildlife habitat or another centered on forest management. This concentration includes eight weeks of study at Lee Memorial Forest.

STUDENT PROFILE A research trip to Mozambique put Sydney Cottingham eyeto-eye with a whale shark.

“It was breathtaking and humbling to be so close to something that majestic,” Cottingham said.

Cottingham, a senior in natural resource ecology and management, spent a month with assistant professor Reagan Errera and eight other students conducting research on various species of phytoplankton, the microscopic plants of the ocean near Praia do Tofo, Mozambique.

“It was breathtaking and humbling to be so close to something so majestic.”

Sydney Cottingham

Cottingham studied plastics at the bottom of reefs. She said she spent a lot of time sifting and baking sand with the goal of seeing how humans are affecting the reef.

“Even when you are studying animals, you can’t get away from the human side of it,” Cottingham said.

Cottingham said the experience helped her with science problem-solving skills.

“The structure and theories are the same, but we had to adjust for the tools we had.”

FACILITIES

The 1,200-plus acres of managed timberland in Lee Memorial Forest are an important research and teaching resource. Located between Franklinton and Bogalusa

in Washington Parish, the forest serves as an outdoor lab for students to develop their field skills and see actual forestry activities, said Dr. Thomas Dean, professor of forestry.

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS • AQUACULTURE AND FISHERIES CLUB • STUDENT WETLAND SOCIETY AT LSU • STUDENT SIERRA COALITION • THE WILDLIFE SOCIETY

• STUDENT CHAPTER OF THE SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FORESTERS • TIGERS CHAPTER DUCKS UNLIMITED • XI SIGMA PI

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH Students in the School of Renewable Natural Resources can research a variety of wildlife and fish as well as many aquatic, forest, and wetlands habitats.

To learn more, contact Sarah Leblanc at slebl69@lsu.edu.

STUDENT EMPLOYMENT Student workers are hired to support our world-class faculty with research.

Students gain experience in methods and technology along with data management.

Projects vary depending on grant funding.

Learn more at lsu.edu/agriculture or call (225) 578-2065. email: agstusv@lsu.edu

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The LSU AgCenter and LSU provide equal opportunities in programs and employment.