{"id":52,"date":"2026-07-06T14:53:30","date_gmt":"2026-07-06T20:53:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/warnercnr1.wpenginepowered.com\/ess\/?page_id=52"},"modified":"2026-11-10T13:54:28","modified_gmt":"2026-11-10T20:54:28","slug":"about","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/ess\/about\/","title":{"rendered":"About the department"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignfull is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-center is-image-fill-element is-style-triangle-divider\" style=\"grid-template-columns:44% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/warnercnr1.wpenginepowered.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/06032_00961-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"students examining plants in field\" class=\"wp-image-647 size-full\" style=\"object-position:51% 61%\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/06032_00961-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/06032_00961-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/06032_00961-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/06032_00961-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/06032_00961.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ecosystem Science and Sustainability<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since the 1960s, the Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory has been at the forefront of research, leading to the establishment of the <strong>Ecosystem Science and Sustainability Department<\/strong> in 2011.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We are a passionate community committed to solving today\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div data-animate=\"\" class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-csu-green-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/warnercnr1.wpenginepowered.com\/ess\/\">learn more<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull callout-heading is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<hr style=\"height: 12.5rem;\" class=\"wp-block-separator aligncenter has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-vertical\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group text-align-center is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-e224f7c3 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center inline-block has-csu-green-color has-energy-green-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-tiny-font-size wp-elements-1 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);font-style:normal;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:3px;line-height:0;text-transform:uppercase\">As an ESS student, you will:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center alignfull has-bodoni-font-family\" style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:clamp(3.155rem, 3.155rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 3.931), 6.3rem);font-style:italic;font-weight:600\">learn, research, and discover<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-style-divider-energy is-style-default has-csu-green-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2 is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-44248558 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who are we?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As one of the few programs nationwide offering comprehensive sustainability-focused degrees from the bachelor&#8217;s to doctoral levels, we provide unparalleled opportunities to explore ecosystem and watershed functions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From climate change to watershed management, we equip you with essential skills to solve pressing environmental challenges shaping our planet and its future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div data-animate=\"\" class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-csu-green-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/warnercnr1.wpenginepowered.com\/ess\/academics\/\">degree programs<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-style-brushstroke is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"has-colossal-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0;font-style:normal;font-weight:600;line-height:1.5\"><mark style=\"background-color:#FFC038\" class=\"has-inline-color has-csu-green-color\">30+<\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;line-height:1.5\">countries where we conduct research<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"has-colossal-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0;font-style:normal;font-weight:600;line-height:1.5\"><mark style=\"background-color:#FFC038\" class=\"has-inline-color has-csu-green-color\">3<\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;line-height:1.5\">Nobel Laureate faculty members<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"has-colossal-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0;font-style:normal;font-weight:600;line-height:1.5\"><mark style=\"background-color:#FFC038\" class=\"has-inline-color has-csu-green-color\">450+<\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;line-height:1.5\">alumni working in sustainability-related careers<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignfull has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-center is-image-fill-element is-style-default\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 46%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Our impact<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Born from the esteemed Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, founded in the 1960s, celebrated for its renowned research on global ecosystems and watersheds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pioneered Colorado&#8217;s sole academic program devoted to ecosystem science and sustainability, one of a few across the nation, established in 2011.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Founded CSU&#8217;s Watershed Science program, a beacon of excellence since 1958, offering the only water-centric degree programs at CSU.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hosts <em>Mountain Sentinels<\/em>, an international alliance for mountain sustainability, spanning six continents and over 50 countries, supported by $2 million in National Science Foundation funding.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Innovative ozone garden research, leading to campus-wide gardening initiatives.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Home to a student-led pollinator group that established hives across campus in 2018.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Engages communities in hands-on scientific pursuits through the Citsci program.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Celebrated for its award-winning faculty and staff, who excel in advising, leadership, and fostering inclusive excellence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div data-animate=\"\" class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-csu-green-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/warnercnr1.wpenginepowered.com\/ess\/research\/\">what we do<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-animate=\"\" class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-csu-green-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/warnercnr1.wpenginepowered.com\/ess\/academics\/\">Degree programs<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/warnercnr1.wpenginepowered.com\/ess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/ESS06151-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"A woman holds an i-pad, a phone, and a water measurement device, looking at data\" class=\"wp-image-1388 size-full\" style=\"object-position:50% 50%\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/ess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/ESS06151-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/ess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/ESS06151-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/ess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/ESS06151-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/ess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/ESS06151-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/ess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/ESS06151.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull banner-strip has-energy-green-background-color has-background is-content-justification-center is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:0.75rem;padding-bottom:0.75rem\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-content-justification-space-between is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-30b7ba7f wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a is-horizontal is-content-justification-space-between is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-787b7c8f wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-normal-font-size\" style=\"letter-spacing:0.2rem;text-transform:uppercase\">get to know us!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div data-animate=\"\" class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-csu-green-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/warnercnr1.wpenginepowered.com\/ess\/contact\/\">Contact and visit<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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&#8217;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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":1192,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"slim_seo":{"title":"About the department - Ecosystem Science and Sustainability","description":"As an ESS student, you will: learn, research, and discover Who are we? 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