Watershed Science at Colorado State University

Since 1953, the Watershed Science program has been a cornerstone of the Ecosystem Science and Sustainability department within the Warner College of Natural Resources. While its name and academic home have evolved—from the “Cooperative Watershed Management Unit” in the College of Forestry to its current place in Warner College as the Watershed Science program—the mission has remained steadfast. It continues to focus on the impact of land use on water, blending biophysical and socio-economic disciplines in an interdisciplinary approach. Students engage in field-based education, including a practicum, and tackle real-world challenges through research, all while enjoying the flexibility to shape their studies around a core curriculum.

Seventy-one years later, the Watershed Science Program remains a flagship at Colorado State University.

Keep reading to explore the program’s rich history—milestones, key faculty, groundbreaking research, and more!