Natural Resources

Michigan State University AgBioResearch and MSU Extension research and outreach in natural resources covers a wide variety of topics, including climate change, conservation, fisheries and wildlife, forestry, the environment, energy and water.

MSU received more than $42 million from 2021-2023 for water-related research, development and outreach activities. Over 50% of this funding is linked to the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, MSU AgBioResearch and MSU Extension.

News

MSU leads $12 million Western Lake Erie Basin performance-based conservation program

Published on July 14, 2025
The program is funded by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and led at MSU by the Institute of Water Research and the Center for Regenerative Agriculture.
MSU researcher leads innovative effort to protect lake whitefish using genetic markers

Published on June 9, 2025
Jared Homola, an assistant professor in the MSU Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, is using advanced genetic modeling to help conserve Lake Michigan’s declining lake whitefish population and improve fishery management strategies.
MSU researcher receives $500K grant to study tree species suited to future Michigan climates

Published on May 15, 2025
Jeremy Johnson, assistant professor in the MSU Department of Forestry, leads the project.