Plants are the keystone of all natural and managed ecosystems. Forestry industries, human and livestock health, and agriculture well being all depend on healthy plant communities and ecosystems. Plant Ecologists study the interactions among plants, between plants and the environment, and between soils, plants and animals. This research is applied to maintain or improve the environment and the health of ecosystems. In the Applied Plant Ecology major, students will learn how to apply ecological principles to ecosystems such as rangelands, forests, wetlands, and croplands for sustainable production. Applied Plant Ecology covers a broad range of disciplines in natural and semi-natural ecosystems such as forests, grasslands, and wetlands. The Applied Plant Ecology major integrates principles and advanced knowledge of managing, conserving, and restoring natural and semi-natural landscapes and ecosystems.

A growing demand for scientists and professionals equipped to deal with environmental and natural resource management issues means a wide variety of career choices for graduates specializing in Applied Plant Ecology. There is a steady demand for environmental scientists who have specialized in plant ecology in industry, universities, government agencies, and not-for-profit organizations. conservation agencies parks rangeland management environmental consulting vegetation ecologist forestry Applied Plant Ecology majors often pursue careers as environmental scientists responsible for managing rangelands, forests, wetlands, and conservation areas. Frequent employers include conservation agencies, national and provincial parks and reserves, agricultural and environmental agencies, as well as environmental consulting firms.