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ESF Welcomes Newest Mighty Oaks to Campus
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Aug. 18, 2025 – The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) campus welcomes its incoming undergraduate class for fall 2025 with a full slate of activities to help the College’s newest students get acclimated to their new home away from home.
Starting Monday, Aug. 18, 383 first-year and 155 transfer students will join the ESF campus community.
“Each fall brings a renewed sense of purpose and energy to our campus, and this year is no exception,” said ESF President Joanie Mahoney. “Our newest Mighty Oaks have chosen to dedicate themselves to the vital work of improving our world through environmental science, sustainability, and innovation. Their passion and commitment inspire us all, and we are proud to support them as they begin their journey of learning, service, and discovery.”
This year’s incoming students represent 57 counties from across New York state, with about 18% from 24 other states and various countries.
New students participate in a week of orientation activities to help them acclimate to college life, including New Student Convocation, sessions on wellness, academics, community building, and sustainability, as well as activities, games, and a food truck rally. The week culminates with the College's traditional Saturday of Service on Aug. 23, when students engage in community service projects throughout the area. This year, students will do general park maintenance, including removing invasive species at several local parks, in addition to enhancing the ESF campus through work in Beth’s Bounty, the on-campus food pantry, and other projects. Community service is one of the hallmarks of the ESF student experience, helping new students connect with Syracuse.
On Aug. 17, ESF’s Ranger School in Wanakena, N.Y., welcomed 62 new students who are enrolled in one of three associate in applied science programs. These include 24 in Environmental and Natural Resources Conservation, 24 in Forest Technology, and 14 in Land Surveying Technology.
The Graduate School at ESF welcomed approximately 100 new students who are pursuing their master’s and doctoral degrees.
Classes begin at ESF’s Syracuse campus on Monday, Aug. 25. Classes at the Ranger School begin Aug. 20.
About SUNY ESF
The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is dedicated to the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable and resilient future through design, policy, and management of the environment and natural resources. Members of the College community share a passion for protecting the health of the planet and a deep commitment to the rigorous application of science to improve the way humans interact with the world. The College offers academic programs ranging from the associate of applied science to the Doctor of Philosophy. ESF students live, study and do research on the main campus in Syracuse, N.Y., and on 25,000 acres of field stations in a variety of ecosystems across the state.
About the Ranger School
The Ranger School in Wanakena, New York, offers students a unique educational experience in a spectacular natural setting. The Ranger School confers the associate in applied science degree (A.A.S.) in three areas of study: forest technology, land surveying technology, and environmental and natural resources conservation. The Ranger School's one-plus-one plan allows students to complete their first year at the college of their choice, then spend their second year at The Ranger School.