A Required Adventure: Summer Field Experience for Every CNR Student
A summer field experience is a required and unforgettable part of every College of Natural Resources (CNR) major at UW-Stevens Point. This hands-on program offers three exciting options to fit your interests: a traditional six-week format at our Treehaven Field Station or on campus, an international exploration of Europe’s natural landscapes, or an immersive ecological adventure in Kenya. No matter which path you choose, you’ll gain real-world skills, earn academic credits, and create lasting memories while advancing your career in natural resources.
Treehaven or Campus Option
Hands-On Learning Close to Home
The traditional Summer Field Experience (SFE) option immerses students in a six-week program designed to build essential natural resource skills. Held at Treehaven Field Station in northern Wisconsin or the UW-Stevens Point campus (when available), this option focuses on mastering field techniques, exploring integrated resource management, and gaining hands-on experience with northern flora, fauna, and ecosystems. Through structured courses and professional interactions, students refine their expertise and evaluate potential career paths in natural resources—all while earning graded academic credit.
European Environmental Studies Seminar
A Global Perspective on Environmental Issues
The European Environmental Studies Seminar offers students a unique opportunity to explore environmental challenges and natural resource management practices across Germany, Poland, and Czechia. This long-standing program, which began in 1973, combines a spring semester orientation and a two-week field camp at the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station (CWES) with a five-week study tour in Europe. Students gain valuable field experience, engage with local experts, and examine diverse environmental issues, from forestry to wildlife conservation. This seminar provides a comprehensive international perspective, equipping students with essential skills for careers in global environmental management.
Kenya Sustainable Natural Resources Experience
Learn, Explore, Contribute
The Kenya Sustainable Natural Resources program offers a transformative learning experience, combining classroom seminars with hands-on fieldwork across Kenya’s diverse environments. The program includes a spring seminar, where students prepare for the journey, followed by a three-week study abroad course focused on sustainable resource management in rural Kenyan communities. Students work on real-world projects related to water, agriculture, and energy while learning about local cultures. For CNR students, this experience is complemented by a two-week field course at the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station to fulfill their Summer Field Experience requirement. This unique program provides invaluable global perspectives and field techniques to advance careers in natural resources.