University of New England

Unique Facilities and Opportunities

An outdoor classroom:
UNE’s 350+ acre property

Do you like to spend time in the woods?  The University of New England owns more than 350 acres of contiguous forest, which serves as an outdoor classroom right here on campus. 

The State of Maine’s Natural Areas Program has labeled this area as habitat of significant value due to its high density of pocket swamps and vernal pools. 

It is comprised of a combination of uplands and wetlands, and is home to many animal species, including wild turkeys, deer, coyotes and moose.  The University has already set up conservation easements on approximately 20 acres of the property, protecting it in its natural state in perpetuity.

Students in the Conservation and Preservation Field Methods course have been studying the ecological properties and cultural value of the land for several years.  Other courses that use the property on a regular basis include Outdoor Environmental Education, Wetland Conservation and Ecology and General Ecology.

Research

The Environmental Studies Department faculty are committed to undergraduate research.

Students have opportunities to work with faculty on their research or to design their own research projects.

One option is to gain course credits for research through ENV 410 - Environmental Research.

See the faculty page for more information on the research and scholarship interests of Environmental Studies faculty.

Center for Sustainable Communities

The Center for Sustainable Communities is an internship and service learning program that creates mutually beneficial partnerships between students and environmental organizations in the communities surrounding the Biddeford campus. Through hands-on involvement with local governments, non-profit organizations, and community groups, students are able to field test academic learning in situations that make tangible the challenge to "think globally, act locally." The most significant partner organization is the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve. Its mission, research and education about coastal environments, attracts DES faculty researchers as well as student interns.

Diverse local habitats to explore

Apart from the 350+ acres of contiguous forest that is part of the University Campus in Biddeford, southern Maine and New Hampshire offer a wide variety of habitats and conservation areas, many within a 10-30 minute drive and others within an hour's drive. They include Basket and Stage Islands, East Point Bird Sanctuary, Wells National Esturine Research Reserve, Saco Health, Biddeford Pool, Clifford Park, Scarborough Marsh, Mt. Agamenticus, the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, and White Mountain National Forest. More information and photos.

UNE's Marine Science Center

UNE's Marine Science Education and Reseach Center includes the Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center, saltwater labs, and classrooms.

More than 80 students work and volunteer at the Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center each year. More information.

Double majors and minors

Many students choose to double major.  Environmental Studies students have sought double majors in areas such as Biology, Marine Biology, Political Science, English and Sociology.

A minor can enable you to enrich your studies in the environmental program and focus your interests further. For example, you can minor in the following programs at UNE: biology, marine biology, animal studies, political science, and chemistry.