SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry

Are you ready to make a tangible difference in the world? SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is where passion meets purpose, dedicated to the stewardship of our planet. True to its inspiring motto, "Improve Your World," ESF has been at the forefront of environmental education and research for over a century, offering a unique academic experience for students committed to creating a sustainable future. As a public university with a focused mission, it stands as a beacon for those who aspire to understand, protect, and enhance our natural environment.

Established in 1911 as the New York State College of Forestry at Syracuse University, ESF quickly carved out its distinct identity. Just two years later, in 1913, it was made a separate legal entity, though its close ties to Syracuse University continued. Its founding was a pivotal moment for environmental conservation, emerging after previous state efforts to establish a forestry college. Visionaries like Louis Marshall, a constitutional lawyer and advocate for the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserve, played a crucial role in securing its creation and funding, ensuring a legacy of dedicated environmental leadership.

From its very beginning, ESF attracted leading minds; its first dean, William L. Bray, was a renowned botanist, plant ecologist, and associate of Gifford Pinchot, the first Chief of the U.S. Forest Service. Bray's influence extended to co-founding the Ecological Society of America in 1915, highlighting the college's deep roots in ecological research and environmental advocacy. With a student body of 2,227, ESF offers a close-knit community focused on hands-on learning and impactful research, which commenced as early as 1912. Here, students don't just learn about the environment; they become active participants in shaping its future.