Beyond the Desk with School of Natural Environment 51�Թ��

51�Թ��’s School of Natural Environment programs are built around hands-on, experiential learning.

We will prepare you for a dynamic career in conservation, forestry, natural resources, and environment enforcement, where you will learn beyond the classroom. Gain experience and the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills through the on-campus woodlot, field work, and industry partnerships.

Explore some of the ways you'll get active, practical experience in your program and get ready to start in 2026. The outdoors is calling.

Your Recruiters

Recruitment shots with Carly, Devin, Melvin, and Michelle
The recruitment team is here to help answer your questions and make the process of applying to college easy!

Connect

Experiential Learning Features

SONE students measuring trees in campus Living Lab

45-Hectare Living Lab

Step outside the four walls of a traditional classroom. 51�Թ�� features a massive outdoor lab and woodlot where you'll practice essential, everyday fieldwork — from tree and plant identification to wildlife population monitoring and plot surveys. Develop the exact skills needed to successfully transition into your career.

SONE students at Field Camp on a boat in the water looking at fish caught

Multi-Day Field Camps

Nestled between Lake Superior and Lake Huron, 51�Թ�� Ste. Marie is surrounded by vast forests and lakes. Explore this ultimate outdoor classroom during overnight Fall and Spring Field Camps. Conduct resource sampling, complete ecological data collection, and master wildlife identification and tracking, get out on the water, and hear from industry guest speakers.

Environmental Enforcement students arresting someone in mock vehicle inspection

Enforcement Scenarios

In your Natural Resources and Environmental Enforcement post-diploma program, step into the shoes of a conservation officer. Engage in highly realistic, interactive scenarios in the MILO Range sim lab, or get outside for mock vehicle stops, ticket writing, evidence collection, and conflict management to prepare for the front lines of conservation law.

SONE students with Boniferro Mill staff touring grounds and learning about the job

Paid Co-op and Industry Partnerships

Gain a massive head start on your career. Our diploma programs feature a paid co-op placement so you earn while you learn and make strong connections for the next steps in your future. Beyond your co-op, continue to network with field professionals through strong partnerships with regional conservation authorities, the Great Lakes Forestry Centre, and provincial ministries.

ECO Canada Accreditation

Our School of Natural Environment programs have all been nationally accredited by the Environmental Careers Organization of Canada (ECO Canada). This prestigious validation ensures your hands-on education meets strict national occupational standards, giving you a competitive edge when entering the workforce.