For generations, state and federal natural resources agencies and programs have been administered by natural resource professionals who grew up on farms and ranches and therefore had an inherent understanding of the landowners they were charged with supporting. However, a shift has occurred, and research suggests that up to 70% of recent graduates of agriculture and natural resource university programs have little to no background in private lands.
With over 1 billion acres of private working lands in the U.S., the importance of understanding private landowner motivations and challenges has never been greater. The Private Land Stewardship Academy, or PLS Academy, is a groundbreaking online training program designed to equip the next generation of natural resource professionals with the essential skills necessary for private land stewardship. The program consists of three audience-directed pathways: 1) undergraduate and graduate students, 2) natural resource professionals, and 3) small acreage/new landowners.
The PLS Academy is founded on the idea that we can develop curricula and educational resources tailored to private landowners, natural resource professionals, and university students to promote research and knowledge exchange on land stewardship techniques across the United States.
Discover the Private Land Stewardship Academy
Designed by a partnership including Colorado State University, Mississippi State University, Montana State University, University of Wyoming, the State University of New York, Texas A&M University and funded by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, through the PLS Academy, students will explore the dynamic relationship between private landowners and natural resource professionals in this innovative course, designed around the landmark book The Art and Science of Private Land Stewardship. The course combines essential readings with rich multimedia content and real-world learning opportunities. Whether you're a conservation professional, landowner, or student, this course offers a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practice of private land stewardship.
