Environment and Sustainability Programs

Sustainability, Innovation, & Commitment

Where Science Meets Stewardship

At the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF), studying the environment goes beyond the classroom. Nestled in Western Maine on the doorstep of mountains, rivers, and lakes, our programs give students hands-on opportunities to explore and protect the natural world. From field research in forests and waterways to community-based sustainability projects, UMF prepares students for careers in environmental science, policy, education, and sustainable innovation. Here, you’ll gain the skills and experience to make a real-world impact—while surrounded by some of Maine’s most inspiring landscapes.

Request Info Visit UMF
Outdoor Recreation and Business Administration students stands smiling in front of green truck.
Outdoor Recreation and Business Administration students stands smiling in front of green truck.

Explore Our Programs

UMF offers a diverse array of majors, minors, and certificates designed to meet the needs of aspiring environmental leaders.

Explore All Programs

Why UMF for Environment & Sustainability?

Gateway to Maine’s Outdoors

Located in Western Maine, UMF sits on the doorstep of mountains, rivers, and lakes, offering unparalleled opportunities for field research, outdoor learning, and exploration.

Close-knit Community

With small class sizes and personalized mentorship, students collaborate closely with faculty and peers, gaining the skills, confidence, and connections to succeed.

Affordability & Quality

UMF provides one of the most affordable liberal arts educations in the Northeast, combining high-quality academics with hands-on experiences that set students apart.

Learning Through Research & Exploration

UMF’s environmental programs empower students to make a real difference through hands-on learning, sustainability initiatives, and community-based projects. Whether through Research Learning Experiences (RLEs), field research, internships, or campus sustainability efforts, students turn classroom knowledge into meaningful environmental action.

Experiential Learning

Featured Research Projects

Maine Mountain Ponds Project

The Maine Mountain Ponds project engages students in hands-on ecological research, studying climate change impacts on northern Appalachian mountain watersheds while contributing valuable data to regional conservation efforts.

Groundbreaking Genetic Research on Fish

UMF received a $500,000 NSF grant to study fish genetics and hormone systems with implications for human health. Students gain hands-on experience in molecular biology using advanced lab tools like confocal microscopy, contributing to biomedical and applied research.

Tick-Borne Disease Research Initiative

UMF students and faculty research ticks and tick-borne diseases through field collection and lab analysis, helping address a growing public health concern in Maine while providing hands-on research experience in biology and environmental science.

Learn from Experts in the Field

Our faculty bring real-world experience, cutting-edge research, and a passion for sustainability to every classroom and field project. At UMF, you’ll work closely with professors who mentor, inspire, and guide you through hands-on learning, internships, and research opportunities.
Explore Programs
Andrew Barton
Andrew Barton

Professor of Biology

About Andrew
Brad Dearden
Brad Dearden

Associate Professor of Geography and Environmental Planning

About Brad
Christopher Magri
Christopher Magri

Associate Professor of Physics

About Christopher
Donelle Schwalm
Donelle Schwalm

Assistant Professor of Environmental Biology

About Donelle
Douglas Reusch
Douglas Reusch

Professor of Geology

About Douglas
Jean Doty
Jean Doty

Professor of Biology

About Jean
Julia Daly
Julia Daly

Professor of Geology

About Julia
Larry Tuttle
Larry Tuttle

Assistant Professor – AY

About Larry
Lucas Kellett
Lucas Kellett

Associate Professor of Anthropology

About Lucas
Matthew McCourt
Matthew McCourt

Associate Professor of Geography

About Matthew
Meghan Price
Meghan Price

Lecturer, Alpine Operations and Recreation

About Meghan
Rachel Hovel
Rachel Hovel

Associate Professor of Biology

About Rachel
Sarah Sloane
Sarah Sloane

Associate Professor of Biology

About Sarah
Timothy Breton
Timothy Breton

Associate Professor of Biology

About Timothy

News & Stories

Read More Related Stories
Brennick banding a bird.
UMF graduating senior and Jay native sees career in Bioscience take flight
May 04, 2026
FARMINGTON, ME  (May 4, 2026)—Spencer Brennick, Jay native, was looking for a reason to get excited about his future. It was his second try at college when he received an email from UMF Biology Professor Sarah Sloane, an avian behavioral ecologist,…
Read More
Fiddlehead Festival logo
UMF celebrates local food with 13th annual Fiddlehead Festival, May 2
April 13, 2026
FARMINGTON, ME  (April 13, 2026)—Time to once again celebrate local food at the 13th annual Maine Fiddlehead Festival on the University of Maine at Farmington campus, Saturday, May  2, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  The festival highlights Maine’s dedication…
Read More
Voices of UMF: Joanna Korasadowicz
April 08, 2026
“UMF is a breath of fresh air that helped me discover my passions, favorite people, and a better version of myself.” Joanna Korasadowicz is a 2026 graduate of UMF’s Bachelor’s of Art Biology program with a pre-professional concentration.
Read More
Thomas Gilman
UMF welcomes Thomas Gillman, New Zealand specialist in sustainable tourism and Libra Scholar, to campus in April for multiple public events
March 30, 2026
FARMINGTON, ME  (March 30, 2026)— The University of Maine at Farmington in partnership with the UMF Office of Global Education is excited to announce that Dr. Thomas Gillman, a New Zealand specialist in sustainable tourism, will be collaborating with the University…
Read More
Next Steps

Your Journey Starts Here

Request Info Apply Visit