Welcome to the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

Thanks for your interest in the forestry and wildlife and fisheries programs at Clemson University. The Department of Forestry and Natural Resources was formed in 2003 with the merger of the Department of Forest Resources and the Department of Aquaculture, Fisheries and Wildlife. Faculty from the Clemson Institute of Environmental Toxicology also joined the new department. The Department now offers B.S., M.S., M.F.R., and Ph.D. degree programs in Forest Resources, B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology, and heavily supports the B.S. degree in Environmental and Natural Resources.

As a Land-Grant Institution, Clemson University has played a major role in the conservation of South Carolina’s natural resources by educating foresters, wildlife biologists, fisheries biologists and others through teaching,  research and outreach programs. Since the Forestry degree was authorized in 1956 nearly 2000 students have graduated. More than 700 students have graduated in the Wildlife and Fisheries Biology degree programs. Job placement has been excellent with most graduates employed in natural resources or closely allied professions.

In addition to a strong academic program, we are actively involved in research and public service. During 2005, the faculty was awarded 57 extramural grants totaling $2.5 million in research and outreach projects.   While much of our research supports Clemson University’s Sustainable Environment emphasis area, our work is involved in other emphasis areas and is heavily involved in the CU Restoration Institute.  Outreach includes a large extension program, and numerous continuing education short courses, seminars, and workshops.

A number of professional organizations and clubs are available for students. These include: Student Chapters of The Wildlife Society, Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation, the American Fisheries Society, Society of American Foresters (SAF), Society of Arboriculture; the Forestry Club;Xi Sigma Pi (National Forestry Honor Society); Sigma Xi (National Research Society); Alpha Zeta; and Golden Key. The Clemson Student Chapter of the SAF has the distinction of winning the "National Outstanding Chapter" for three years. In addition, Clemson students have been very active in conclaves sponsored by Southeastern Forestry Clubs and Wildlife conclaves.

In the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, we are dedicated to our land grant mission through education, research and outreach. We invite you explore the opportunities that we offer.

Sincerely,
Patricia A. Layton, Chair