Introduction

To paraphrase from the first conference on University Education in Natural Resources, held at Penn State in 1996, the purpose is “to provide a forum for the scholarship of teaching in forestry, wildlife and fisheries, and related natural resources management fields.” The conference is aimed at faculty and administrators who are interested in national trends in curricular issues and innovative teaching methods in natural resource fields. Both graduate and undergraduate students are encouraged to participate and engage faculty and administrators in open and constructive dialogue.

Think Green

Not solely because it is being held at Michigan State University, this will be a green conference as set forth by the standards set by the Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication. For example, registration will be electronic, the use of paper will be minimal, meetings and restaurants will be within walking distance of lodging, and goods purchased for the conference will be environmentally appropriate and locally produced. We seek your assistance in following these guidelines and your suggestions in implementing them.

About MSU

Michigan State University (East Lansing, Michigan) is in the midst of its Sesquicentennial celebration. Established as the first land grant university in 1855, MSU is a fitting location for the theme of the conference, Natural resource education: from sustainable campuses to a sustainable world . It is the first institution of higher learning in the U.S. to teach the science and the practice of agriculture. MSU continues to be proactive in the campus sustainability movement. Examples, which you will be able to visit during the conference, include the student organic farm, the green roof of the Plant and Soil Sciences Building, and the Agriculture and Livestock Education Pavilion, which is powered by a solar photovoltaic system. Similar technologies and programs are documented by the MSU Office of Campus Sustainability, which also collects data on campus sustainability indicators.