Support the Environment and Natural Resources Program

Few would question the preeminent importance of the environment and natural resources to all aspects of life in Wyoming and the West; the sustainability and profitability of agriculture, extractive industries, and tourism; and the maintenance of diverse ecological systems. 

The University of Wyoming is a resource to the citizens of Wyoming and the West.  Through the William D. Ruckelshaus Institute and the Helga Otto Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, it is ideally situated to bring together the best science and collaborative process advice to assist with the resolution of economically important and scientifically complex environment and natural resource issues.   In these areas, the University of Wyoming has a clear institutional strength based on a faculty well recognized for its depth and breadth in disciplines interrelated to the environment and natural resources.  Building upon these strengths the University of Wyoming prepares its students as citizens and professionals and assists the people of Wyoming and the West.

• Focusing for Distinction in the William D. Ruckelshaus Institute of Environment and Natural Resources

The Ruckelshaus Institute is the model for developing new approaches in resolving the difficult regional, national and international environmental and natural resource problems that are pervasive in society today.

• Focusing for Distinction in the Helga Otto Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources

The Haub School builds students knowledge and provides tools through a multidisciplinary experience that prepares them to work with others in solving environmental and natural resources problems.

The Ruckelshaus Institute and the Haub School rely upon the generosity of a growing number of individuals, foundations, corporations, and agencies that share the Institute's goals and objectives.  Institute support can be designated for annual operations, establishment of an Institute endowment fund, or for specific Institute research and policy projects.  Private support is vital and we are very grateful to the donors and volunteers who help make the Institute vision a reality.

• Focusing for Distinction in the Wyoming Conservation Corps

The Wyoming Conservation Corps provides students with the opportunity to have hands-on experiences in the field of conservation.  They are able to apply the land management and conservation strategies they learn about in the ENR classroom while gaining valuable work and leadership experience.  In addition to valuable experiences, students who participate in the WCC make contacts within state and federal land management agencies that will help them in the future for job or graduate school references and perhaps in getting a job within that agency after graduation.  In addition to the benefits the students gain from a program like the WCC, many of the state and federal partners the WCC has would be unable or otherwise hard pressed to complete the work that the WCC crews do during their service - making the WCC a major asset to the State of Wyoming. 

At its inception, the Wyoming Conservation Corps was provided with funding from the State Legislature to get the program on its feet, however, that funding has expired and while the WCC has made significant progress towards becoming a self-sustaining organization, it is still very much in its infancy.   The generosity of individuals, foundations, corporations, and agencies that understand the importance of a program like the WCC is invaluable to its continued success. 

If you would like to discuss a possible gift to the Ruckelshaus Institute, the Haub School, or the Wyoming Conservation Corps, please call Chris Spooner, Director of Major Giving at the UW Foundation, at 307-766-5087.  It is also possible to give online through the University of Wyoming Foundation. Thank you for your consideration!