School of Natural Resources

A tiered rock formation along a stream in fall.

June 1, 2026

Mizzou helps Smithsonian map more than 200 years of nature’s progress

The University of Missouri is among 55 institutions partnering with the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute on the Lewis and Clark Trail Resurvey, a nationwide effort in commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary. Together, researchers are documenting mammal communities along the historic route and comparing them with records from the original expedition.
India Williams smiling wearing graduation stole and cords.

May 27, 2026

Environmental sciences graduate prepares to represent U.S. at International Soil Judging Contest in China 

India Williams is taking her soil judging skills to the international stage in June.
Agriculture Building

May 12, 2026

CAFNR announces 2026 awardees of dissertation grants

The College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Office of Research offers the CAFNR Dissertation Research Improvement Grants (C-DRIG) of up to $2,000 to support or partially support dissertation research projects proposed by doctoral students in the College.

May 11, 2026

CAFNR professor receives Provost’s Award for University Citizenship in Mentoring 

Sonja Wilhelm Stanis, a professor in the University of Missouri’s School of Natural Resources, received the 2026 award.
Beth and Bell Foltz smile at each other with their heads in their hands in their caps and gowns on Lowry Mall.

May 10, 2026

Celebrating Our Seniors: Spring 2026

CAFNR graduates in the spotlight.
Cara Coates photo.

May 6, 2026

Cara Coates

Cara leads the Johnny Morris Institute’s initiatives on experiential learning, workforce development and conservation education. Cara specializes in translating complex natural resource science into accessible programs that strengthen student engagement. She is recognized for building strategic partnerships, improving program efficiency and expanding engagement across a variety of audiences.

April 30, 2026

Lupo appointed to EPA Science Advisory Board

Anthony Lupo, professor of atmospheric science, has been appointed to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Science Advisory Board. Selected by Administrator Lee Zeldin, Lupo joins a group of 36 experts providing scientific counsel to help guide federal environmental policy.
Three men, including Rick Relyea in the middle, stand in front of a banner with logos for the Davis College at Texas Tech University.

April 30, 2026

Relyea receives Texas Tech Distinguished Alumni Award

Rick Relyea, director of the Johnny Morris Institute of Fisheries, Wetlands and Aquatic Systems, has been honored with the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award from Texas Tech University’s Davis College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.
Lone star tick.

April 29, 2026

Changing Missouri weather fuels tick populations

From milder winters to longer tick seasons, Missouri’s changing weather is reshaping when and where ticks thrive.
A large goldfish in a small bowl.

April 28, 2026

From pet to pest: Invasive goldfish are reshaping freshwater ecosystems, researchers warn

Goldfish are a familiar fixture in homes, classrooms and backyard ponds around the world. But when they are released into lakes and ponds, they can quickly turn healthy freshwater ecosystems into environments that struggle to support native life, new research shows.