Baker Woodlot

Study at a university that is a leader in protecting our natural resources

MSU has several park-like natural, protected areas around campus and is a living-learning ecosystem and research laboratory. The Baker Woodlot is a 73-acre natural woodlot area in the south-central section of campus and includes the Rachana Rajendra Neotropical Migrant Bird Sanctuary (RRNMBS). Named after Rachana Rajendra, a bird enthusiast and Lansing area resident, the RRNMBS is home to more than 50 species of birds annually.

With approximately 20,000 trees calling campus home, including some predating the founding of MSU (formerly the Agricultural College of the State of Michigan) in 1855, MSU’s campus arboretum serves an important role in educating Spartans. Natural resources and sustainable environments programs take advantage of this and connect their students with research and hands-on experiences that help address environmental and sustainability issues from a variety of perspectives.

Students who graduate with a degree focusing on natural resources and sustainable environments go on to have careers in areas like fisheries and wildlife, environmental economics and management, sustainable parks, recreation and tourism, forestry and more.