About Us

The Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation (NREC) program is one of four core programs of UMASS Extension. It is based in the Departments of Natural Resouces Conservation and Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Our mission is to provide educational programs and materials to a diverse public, enabling people to make informed decisions and take action to preserve or enhance the quality, productivity and sustainability of natural resources and natural systems. The goal of the program is to build on the broad, multi-disciplined research base of the University and use the delivery system of UMASS Extension to:

1. Provide a mechanism for information exchange between the research community and those engaged in conservation,

2. Provide comprehensive continuing education and training programs for local officials, natural resource professionals and educators, and

3. Help facilitate communication and partnerships among various individuals, groups, and agencies engaged in conservation and environmental education.