• The Ranger School ▼
  
  • Ranger School Home
  • Calendar
  • Directory
  • Directions/Lodging
  • Dubuar Memorial Forest Map (PDF)
  • Listserve
  • Request Information
  • Centennial
  • Webcam
• Admission ▼
  
  • Admission to the Ranger School (ESF Undergraduate Admissions website)
  • Calendar
  • Ranger School brochure (PDF)
  • Request Information
  • Visit
• Academics ▼
  
  • Academic Calendar
  • Courses
  • Library Research Guide
  • Programs & Degrees:
  • Environmental & Natural Resources Conservation
  • Forest Technology
  • Land Surveying Technology
  • Summer Bridge Program
• Student Life ▼
  
  • Life in Wanakena
  • Events
  • Hockey Club
  • The Landing Dining Hall
  • Outing Club
• Careers, Services, & Alumni ▼
  
  • Alumni (RSAA)
  • Forest Tech Schools
  • Transcripts
  • GreenLink
  • Work-Study & Job Locator
  • Career & Grad School (PDF)

Life in Wanakena

The Ranger School is located on the banks of the Oswegatchie River near the hamlet of Wanakena, approximately 65 miles northeast of Watertown, and 35 miles west of Tupper Lake. The buildings, grounds and forest border on the river, which flows directly into Cranberry Lake. This managed forest, containing both hardwood and coniferous species, covers nearly 3,000 acres. On three sides, the forest is bounded by state forest preserve lands. These forest preserve lands contain old-growth forests and abundant wildlife, and provide numerous recreational opportunities.

The Ranger School contains a "smart" classroom, three laboratories, a student lounge, faculty and staff offices, the library, food service/dining hall and dormitories. The men's dormitory consists of 20 double-occupancy and 10 single- occupancy dorm rooms and three triple-occupancy suites. The women's dormitory consists of six single-occupancy and seven double-occupancy rooms.

The close proximity of faculty offices and student quarters and the intensive fieldwork allow students to consult easily and frequently with the faculty. This traditional close student-faculty relationship is a major benefit of the program.

A small library of approximately 1,500 volumes consists of highly specialized books, journals and multimedia materials required for the teaching and study programs of the curriculum. Students also have online access to the full range of library resources provided through SUNY-ESF's Moon Library. Wireless access to the Internet is provided throughout the building.

Students attending The Ranger School are required to live in the campus dormitories. An exception may be made for married students who bring their families and rent their own private accommodations in the vicinity. Such accommodations are not plentiful. Each married student should make rental arrangements well in advance of the registration date.

The Ranger School does not maintain an infirmary, nor does it employ a physician or nurse, but there are two physicians as well as an excellent community hospital in nearby Star Lake, N.Y. In emergency situations, the school transports sick or injured students to the local physician of their choice or to the hospital. Students are required to obtain coverage for accident or health insurance before reporting to the campus.

A stock of books and supplies used in connection with the second year of the program is maintained for sale at the Ranger School Bookstore. Selected books will also be ordered through online suppliers.

During the first year of the one-plus-one program, students are guided by the rules and regulations that govern student life at the college they attend. During the second year of the one-plus-one program, students are guided by the rules and regulations for College of Environmental Science and Forestry students enrolled at The Ranger School.