Conservation and Natural Resources
The Conservation & Natural Resources initiative at IERE empowers the next generation of environmental stewards through interdisciplinary research, immersive student experiences, and impactful community engagement. From the longleaf pine ecosystems to urban green spaces, as a Conservation and Natural Resources hub we are dedicated to researching, protecting, and sustaining Florida’s natural spaces and vital resources to the benefit future generations.
Education
The Institute of Environmental Research and Education (IERE) is home to UNF’s new interdisciplinary B.S. in Environmental Science (2025) and an Environmental Studies minor with curriculum centered on conservation and natural resources. These courses importantly approach conservation from an interdisciplinary lens including courses from areas such as biology, geography, history, philosophy, construction management, and education. Courses in this area benefit from UNF’s location and surrounding natural environment including the UNF Sawmill Slough Preserve, Atlantic coastline, St. Johns River, and the Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve, providing unparalleled hands-on learning opportunities for students through internships and other experiential learning opportunities.
IERE’s Career Pathways Program supports workforce development by equipping students with the academic foundation, practical skills, and professional readiness needed to make meaningful contributions in northeast Florida and beyond. The Digital Badge Program further enhances lifelong learning through micro-credentials in Environmental Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship.
Students also benefit from the Florida Field School, where immersive, nature-based experiences deepen their understanding of coastal resilience and water systems while supporting academic growth and personal well-being.
Outreach
The Conservation and Natural Resources Initiative strengthens community engagement through education, citizen science, and collaborative events. Expert guest speakers in fields like urban forestry, agriculture, and wildlife conservation enrich Environmental Science courses and support student groups such as the UNF Environmental Honor Society, Kappa Alpha Omicron.
Beyond the classroom, the initiative promotes hands-on learning through enriching partnerships and platforms including iNaturalist and Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens’ FrogWatch enabling students and community members to monitor amphibian populations—vital indicators of ecosystem health.
A highlight of this outreach is the annual COJ-UNF Jacksonville Environmental Symposium, co-hosted with the Jacksonville Environmental Protection Board, which brings together researchers, practitioners, and the public to share knowledge and celebrate local conservation efforts.
Student Programs
Providing interdisciplinary hands-on experiences through academic enrichment, and professional mentorship bridging the gap between environmental conservation, natural resource stewardship, and community impact.-
As part of the Florida Field School, students participate in immersive field experiences and hands-on restoration projects that connect them directly with Florida’s diverse ecosystems and the professionals who manage them. These opportunities have included exploring fire-dependent landscapes, learning about freshwater habitat restoration, and contributing to native plant conservation on campus. Each experience deepens students’ understanding of natural resource management while highlighting potential career paths in conservation.
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Through the Environmental Leadership Program, students engage in hands-on, community-connected projects that address pressing conservation and natural resource challenges across northeast Florida. With support from local partners, students have contributed to initiatives such as raising awareness for plant conservation, monitoring endangered species like the Black Creek Crayfish, enhancing urban biodiversity through corridor planning, and conducting tree surveys in protected natural areas. These experiences not only deepen students’ understanding of ecological systems but also prepare them to lead meaningful environmental efforts in their communities.
Research
The Institute drives collaborative, interdisciplinary research aimed at addressing the urgent need to protect and sustain our natural resources. Through its competitive Research Seed Grants, IERE empowers UNF faculty to launch innovative projects that conserve ecosystems, promote biodiversity, and inform sustainable resource management—laying the foundation for external funding and long-term impact.
Explore the UNF Environmental Research Consortium to see how faculty across disciplines are working together to protect natural resources and drive conservation innovation.