The Ranger School
Environmental and Natural Resources Conservation

The Environmental and Natural Resources Conservation (ENRC) program introduces students to a broad array of natural resource disciplines. This program will provide students with a solid grounding in applied ecological and sociopolitical concepts, accompanied by technical training in plant and tree identification, land surveying, natural resources measurements, geospatial applications, soil and water monitoring, wildlife techniques and forest recreation. Graduates may pursue a bachelor's degree of their choice or go immediately to work in the environmental and natural resources sector. 

Program Overview

Continue Your Education

Combining an A.A.S. with a Bachelor's Degree

There are several advantages of combining an ENRC associate degree with a four-year bachelor’s degree. Ranger School graduates who go on to pursue a bachelor’s degree bring a strong work ethic; demonstrate leadership in project management and field skills; and gain the deeper ecological and social understanding provided by the professional curriculum.

Students wishing to transfer from the Ranger School to the B.S. programs at the ESF Syracuse campus will be admitted as juniors. They will be given credit for summer in field courses at Wanakena and/or Cranberry Lake. They will still have to complete some physical sciences, social sciences and humanities requirements while in residence at Syracuse, depending on prior preparation. All other requirements as set forth in the selected program option must be met.

NOTES:

• Students contemplating subsequent transfer should concentrate their first-year year electives in the social sciences and humanities.
• Students should also complete the first semester in chemistry, one semester in physics, and a course in calculus prior to transferring.

It is possible to be admitted without these courses, but subsequent progress in the program becomes more difficult.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Describe and analyze forest ecosystems and associated natural resources
  • Understand the ecology of the natural environment, including biotic and abiotic components, interactions, and responses to disturbance.
  • Explain the terminology, components, and hierarchy of integrated natural resources management and the role of the technician in the process.
• Understand the principles of resource management and its effect on recreational resources and experiences; wildlife and its habitate; and soil and water resources.
• Demonstrate accepted technical skills and methods for field and laboratory employment in the environmental and natural resources sector.
  • Collect and record a variety of natural resource observations and measurements using appropriate tools and technologies, and to analyze and summarize field/lab data and observations in a meaningful way for a variety of uses.
  • Demonstrate proficiency with maps and remotely sense images, including an ability to safely navigate to and between filed sites under a variety of conditions using various technologies.
  • Demonstrate proficiency interpreting and producing spatially accurate representations of field locations and features.
• Understand the importance of a positive professional demeanor and strong work ethic.
  • Demonstrate a positive work ethic and the capability to work independently with minimum supervision, as a member of a team, or as a supervisor of a team.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the ecological, social, and economic framework of natural resources decision-making and the role and ethical responsibilities of environmental and natural resources technicians.
  • Demonstrate an ability to communicate and interact effectively and professionally, both verbally and in writing.