Species conservation

You instinctively know that biodiversity is a good thing. Now learn the science behind biological species and how to really protect them.

Who's looking out for animal populations and endangered species? >>
Who’s creating new plant breeds? >>
Who’s protecting heirloom plant breeds to maintain diversity? >>
Who’s looking out for tree populations and forest ecosystems? >>
Who’s growing tomorrow’s trees? >>
Who's developing new animal breeds? >>

Managers study, conserve, and protect wild animal populations and the eco-systems they live within. Managers work primarily in the field to monitor animal populations, observe human interactions, and enforce government limits and regulations. Field reports play an important role in creating policies that protect endangered populations.

Training Routes

• Natural Resource Studies
• Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation

Farmers and other growers have been selectively saving seed and cross-pollinating plants for many years to improve the quality of plant strains and to create new breeds with the best properties of two different plants. Research scientists use the same principles but with more sophisticated tools to create new plant varieties that have increased resistance to disease, better nutritional properties, and higher production yields.

Training Routes

• Environmental Biology
• Food Science and Technology
• General Studies - Plant and Soil Science
• Microbiology
• Ornamental Horticulture
• Sustainable Agriculture

Like anything plant-based, seeds have a limited lifespan. Preserving heirloom plant varieties requires continually growing the plants so new seeds are generated and the genetic line is not lost. Farmers and nursery managers grow heirloom plants to sustain their lineage. Recently, heirloom varieties have become popular with consumers because of their relatively novel flavors. This interest is helping growers offset the costs.

Training Routes

• General Studies - Plant and Soil Science
• Ornamental Horticulture
• Sustainable Agriculture

Forests are both an important part of the global ecosystem and an important resource of raw materials for lumber, paper, and fuelwood. Foresters plan for the harvest and regeneration of trees to provide the materials for these products, while ensuring that forests continue to play their crucial role in the environment. Foresters determine which areas will be harvested, which will be replanted, and which will be protected.

Training Routes

• Forest Conservation
• Natural Resource Studies

Forests are both an important part of the global ecosystem and an important resource of raw materials for lumber, paper, and fuelwood. Foresters plan for the harvest and regeneration of trees to provide the materials for these products, while ensuring that forests continue to play their crucial role in the environment. Foresters play an important role in ensuring the next generation of trees is planted.

Training Routes

• Forest Conservation

Nursery managers grow trees for sale to individuals, landscape contractors, businesses, and governments. Most trees are grown for re-planting, however the annual sale of cut trees for the holiday season is a significant part of many farmers’ income.

Training Routes

• Ornamental Horticulture
• Sustainable Agriculture

Animal research scientists develop new breeds of animals for many purposes. Some focus on creating healthier stock that have a reduced need for antibiotics. Others work towards making domesticated animals viable for geographic areas that currently can't support them. Still others are breeding animals who naturally create human antibodies.

Training Routes

• Animal Biotechnology/Research