Focus: Conservation and Restoration

Fireweed Photo courtesy of USGS/Cascades Volcano Observatory, Vancouver, Washington

In the face of rapid urbanization of the globe, how can we conserve and restore habitats and landscapes critical for life on earth?  How do plants live in communities, and what makes those communities thrive?  How big does a community need to be for conservation to work?  Is it necessary to restore a habitat exactly as it was, or can we be creative?  What about the impact of invasive species?

The fields of conservation and restoration are based in ecology, draw on knowledge of biology in general, and include physical and social sciences and the humanities.  Courses are offered in Biology, Forestry, and Oceanography.

Students who study Conservation and Restoration often choose careers or graduate studies in environmental restoration and reclamation, ecosystem and resource management, environmental education or environmental law.