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.

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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.

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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.
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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
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 ’02
Meghan Price ’02

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

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From Club President to Senior Analyst: How Drew Kelso ‘19 Made the Most of Every Opportunity
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Drew Kelso ’19 visited the University of Maine at Farmington campus knowing that he wanted a profession that worked with math and computers with strong earnings potential and job security. After meeting Lori Koban and the actuarial science…
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UMF presents “Exploring the Aquifer of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula in the Digital Age” by National Geographic Explorer Sam Meacham, Nov 18
November 10, 2026
FARMINGTON, ME  (November 10, 2026)—The University of Maine at Farmington is excited to bring National Geographic Explorer Sam Meacham to campus to present “Exploring the Aquifer of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula in the Digital Age.” The event takes place Wednesday, Nov.
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UMF in the News: Drew Barton, forest and fire ecologist and UMF professor of biology, shares some thoughts on early fall color as it begins to show across western Maine
September 25, 2026
As reported in the Sun Journal, fall colors are beginning to spread across western Maine, with red maples, yellowing hardwoods and other early-changing trees standing out against forests that remain largely green. Drew Barton, a forest and…
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UMF awarded NSF grant to create Western Maine snowpack monitoring network in collaboration with Northeastern Snow STORE project
September 23, 2026
FARMINGTON, ME  (September 23, 2026)—The University of Maine at Farmington has recently been announced as a collaborator in “Snow STORE” (Science and Technology for Operations, Research, and Economic Development in Northern New England), a four-year National Science Foundation (NSF) research…
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