Recent Headlines
Chestnut mining bee (Andrena rehni)
Top ESF Highlights for 2025
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Dec. 30, 2025 — “Every day at ESF, our students, faculty, and staff inspire us with the work they do” said Joanie Mahoney, president of the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF). “Please enjoy the following highlights from 2025. I’m proud of the incredible work that defines ESF and look forward to even more discovery in the year ahead.”
In no particular order, because we aren’t playing favorites, are the Top Seven coolest ESF Stories for 2025.
Rare Chestnut Bee Discovery
ESF pollinator ecologist Molly Jacobson collected two specimens of Andrena rehni, also known as the chestnut mining bee, from native American chestnut trees — marking the first confirmed sighting of the species in Central New York and only the second known population in the state.
Cracking the Seneca Drums Mystery
The New York Times was among numerous national media outlets to cover Dr. Tim Morin, whose research on the once-mysterious Seneca Drums was in the national spotlight. His research cracked the mystery of this phenomenon that puzzled scientists for centuries. His work revealed methane eruptions beneath Seneca Lake.
Wolf Uses Tools Captured by ESF Research
While researching the green crab invasion in British Columbia, Dr. Kyle Artelle and his colleagues captured what is believed to be the first recorded instance of a wolf using tools. The video garnered thousands of views online and attracted attention from national and international media outlets.
Compost Comet Takes the Track
Dr. Jenny Frank and the Great Decay Speedsters participated in the Red Bull Soapbox Race to highlight the importance of composting and sustainable resource use. Their car was designed to raise awareness about composting and how people use the planet’s resources.
$40 Million Capital Campaign Success
Closer to home, The Campaign for SUNY ESF, launched in July of 2020 and announced in May of this year, has secured $36 million toward its $40 million goal.
ESF Featured on Amazon Prime
ESF was featured in an episode of The College Tour streaming on Amazon Prime. ESF is the first SUNY to be highlighted on the program, giving viewers the inside scoop on what it means to be a Mighty Oak.
Goodnow Mountain Fire Tower Restored
ESF cut the ribbon on the restored Goodnow Mountain Fire Tower in the Adirondacks. The tower and trail were taken offline July 7 to facilitate renovations. The project included the installation of new galvanized metal steps, roof, and landings that were airlifted to the mountaintop by helicopter. The project also included repainting the tower and restoring the cabin at its base.
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.