Outdoor classrooms

Taylor Wilderness Research Station in the Frank Church Wilderness of No Return.

Engaging students in hands-on learning in nature’s classrooms.

Conduct research on more than 12,000 acres at U of I’s Experimental Forest, spend a weekend learning at the McCall Field Campus in the Idaho Rockies or complete a Semester in the Wild in the largest wilderness area in the lower 48 states. As a student at the College of Natural Resources, you have access to unique locations that provide hands-on learning and memorable experiences.

Taylor Wilderness Research Station

Taylor Ranch, in the Frank Church Wilderness, immerses students in a unique outdoor classroom for the Semester in the Wild and summer research internships.

Taylor Wilderness Research Station in the Frank Church Wilderness of No Return.

Rinker Rock Creek Ranch

Spanning 20,000 acres in central Idaho, Rinker Rock Creek Ranch offers students a prime outdoor classroom to evaluate the impacts of livestock grazing on rangelands, study sage grouse and pygmy rabbits, learn how to improve watersheds and manage range ecosystems.

Education and Engagement at Rinker Rock Creek Ranch

McCall Field Campus

The McCall Field Campus is home to MOSS, the McCall Outdoor Science School, a 14-acre education and research facility on the shore of Payette Lake in Ponderosa State Park. MOSS offers immersive outdoor learning for K-12 and college students.

college of Natural Resources McCall Outddor Science School day programing

U of I Experimental Forest

The Experimental Forest on Moscow Mountain provides an ideal setting for courses in forestry, prescribed burning and wildlife. Students can also engage in outdoor recreation and work on the student logging crew.

Pitkin Forest Nursery

The Pitkin Nursery produces 500,000 seedlings annually, offering hands-on training for students in nursery management and seedling selection for restoration and conservation.

Mica Creek Experimental Watershed  

Mica Creek Watershed in Idaho highlights the collaboration between college and industry, with $3.7M in grants, resulting in more than 100 publications and training for over 30 students annually.

Aquaculture Research Institute

The Aquaculture Research Institute (ARI) supports research, education and outreach in aquaculture, with facilities for student learning in Moscow and Hagerman, Idaho.