Ecosystem Science and Sustainability
Since the 1960s, the Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory has been at the forefront of research, leading to the establishment of the Ecosystem Science and Sustainability Department in 2011.
We are a passionate community committed to solving today’s most urgent environmental problems through cutting-edge science. We focus on the physical, chemical, and biological dimensions of ecosystems and watersheds, combining science-based conservation with sustainable and equitable strategies to address critical climate and planetary health challenges.
If you are passionate about land and water, eager to engage in hands-on research, and interested in the impacts of human activity on the environment, ESS is a great fit for you.
As an ESS student, you will:
learn, research, and discover
Who are we?
As one of the few programs nationwide offering comprehensive sustainability-focused degrees from the bachelor’s to doctoral levels, we provide unparalleled opportunities to explore ecosystem and watershed functions.
From climate change to watershed management, we equip you with essential skills to solve pressing environmental challenges shaping our planet and its future.
30+
countries where we conduct research
3
Nobel Laureate faculty members
450+
alumni working in sustainability-related careers
Our impact
- Born from the esteemed Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, founded in the 1960s, celebrated for its renowned research on global ecosystems and watersheds.
- Pioneered Colorado’s sole academic program devoted to ecosystem science and sustainability, one of a few across the nation, established in 2011.
- Founded CSU’s Watershed Science program, a beacon of excellence since 1958, offering the only water-centric degree programs at CSU.
- Hosts Mountain Sentinels, an international alliance for mountain sustainability, spanning six continents and over 50 countries, supported by $2 million in National Science Foundation funding.
- Directs the USDA-funded UVB Monitoring and Research Program. This $1.85 million effort has tracked the effects of ultraviolet radiation on agriculture and human health across 26 states and 36 climate stations since 1992.
- Our faculty address global challenges related to ecosystems, water, and sustainability. We have world-renowned scientists specializing in earth and environmental sciences, social sciences, and transdisciplinary research, focusing on areas across carbon, climate, water, and food systems.
- Innovative ozone garden research, leading to campus-wide gardening initiatives.
- Home to a student-led pollinator group that established hives across campus in 2018.
- Engages communities in hands-on scientific pursuits through the Citsci program.
- Celebrated for its award-winning faculty and staff, who excel in advising, leadership, and fostering inclusive excellence.
