Perhaps the fastest way to tell the story of the School of Natural Resources is through the numbers. However--behind every number is a student discovering a passion, a faculty member making new discoveries, an alumnus inspiring others, or a partnership helping us address the environmental challenges of our time. I love my job because I love our School and the impacts we have on our state and our world!
Here are just a few snapshots from the past academic year--by the numbers:
400,000 – Cranes observed by students during a Nebraska-based study tour experience, providing an unforgettable opportunity to witness one of the world's greatest wildlife migrations.
9 – Student clubs that hosted silent auctions during the SNR Spring Banquet, raising funds while showcasing the passion and leadership of our students.
12 – Pies thrown at professors during our Earth Day fundraiser—a fun tradition that helped support student activities while proving our faculty are willing to take one for the team. Photo of Dennis Ferraro, Ann Powers, and Lindsey Chizinski above!
$10 million – New research grants awarded to SNR faculty during one of the most challenging federal funding climates in recent memory.
21 – Partner agencies and conservation organizations helping launch our new Central Flyway Collaborative to strengthen the resilience of working landscapes, communities, and wildlife across the Great Plains.
2,400 – Miles bicycled by conservation photographer Mike Forsberg and his colleague Andy Caven as they traveled the Central Flyway, sharing stories that connect people to the landscapes we all value.
$2,680 – Raised during Glow Big Red 2026 to support hands-on student learning experiences through the generosity of alumni and friends. Thank you!
104 – Nebraska Mesonet weather stations now delivering critical weather and climate data to producers, communities, researchers, and emergency managers across the state.
Every one of these numbers represents people: students gaining life-changing experiences, faculty tackling important questions, alumni sharing their talents, and donors investing in the next generation of conservation leaders.
If you would like to help create the next set of numbers, I invite you to support the SNR Student Excellence Fund. Gifts to this fund provide flexible support for field experiences, research opportunities, travel to professional meetings, leadership development, and other experiences that prepare our students to make a lasting difference for Nebraska and beyond.
Thank you for being part of the SNR community. Together, we're creating opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom—and the numbers tell only part of the story.
—Larkin Powell, Director of the School of Natural Resources & Karen Darnall, Events and External Engagement Coordinator