Less Sitting. More Nature.

Love the great outdoors? Sault Ste. Marie isn’t just surrounded by nature—it’s where you learn.

With field work and co-op taking you through the Great Lakes, rugged Canadian Shield, and endless forests, you’ll spend less time sitting and more time doing. Your School of Natural Environment program blends conservation, environmental protection, and resource management with hands-on study across breathtaking northern landscapes. Let’s take it outside.

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Recruitment shots with Carly, Devin, Melvin, and Michelle

The recruitment team is ready to answer your questions and make applying to college easy!

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Experiential Learning Spaces

With a 45-hectare outdoor lab, immersive field trips, and collaborations with local organizations, you'll go beyond the desk and into the outdoors.

School of Natural Environment students in the living lab doing tree measurements

45-Hectare Living Lab

Step outside the four walls of a traditional classroom. ӣ��Ƶ features a massive outdoor lab and living lab 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.

School of Natural Environment students on a boat in the water identifying a fish

Multi-Day Field Camps

Nestled between Lake Superior and Lake Huron, Sault 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, master wildlife identification and tracking, get out on the water, and hear from industry guest speakers.

Natural Resources and Environmental Enforcement Students complete a mock vehicle stop arresting someone

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.

School of Natural Environment students on a work site with industry partners 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 are nationally accredited by ECO Canada, validating that your hands-on education meets national occupational standards and the needs of the environmental industry.