The Concentrations in Environmental Science
Strengths, Facilities and Expertise

TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY

Students interested in the terrestrial ecology track in Environmental Sciences have the opportunity to undertake formal course work and research projects that will help prepare them for careers in government, private industry, academia, and non-governmental organizations.  Teaching and research facilities located in the newly renovated Lennon Hall include a herbarium, greenhouse, environmental chambers, computer laboratory, and Geographic Information Systems lab. In addition, the SUNY Brockport campus is located near numerous natural areas providing opportunities for teaching and research, including a deciduous forest woodlot on the SUNY Brockport campus, Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, the Bergen Swamp Preserve, Braddock Bay Wildlife Management Area, Thousand Acre Swamp, Letchworth State Park, and Hamlin Beach State Park.

Faculty and students interested in terrestrial ecology have conducted numerous research projects throughout Western New York. These projects include studies on habitat selection management and breeding biology of grassland birds; influence of Lake Ontario’s water level on marsh vegetation; naturalization and spread of non-native and woody plants in Western New York; effects of military vehicle activity on Henslow’s Sparrows at Fort Drum, New York; created and restored wetlands as habitat for birds and amphibians; small mammal ecology in the Bergen Swamp; ecology of migrant songbirds along the south shore of Lake Ontario; ecology of spotted turtles; amphibian community composition at Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge; and response of forests to removal of invasive shrubs. Since 1993, the active research and teaching program in terrestrial ecology has attracted funding from the National Science Foundation, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of Defense, United States Geological Survey, and other government and private agencies.

Qualified students recently have undertaken internships or employment with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, United States National Park Service, Department of Defense, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Other students have gone on to graduate studies at institutions such as the University of Florida, Texas A & M University, and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.