NRM Student Organizations
Natural Resource Management Student Clubs
Student organizations provide a wonderful learning opportunity for students. Becoming a member of a student organization will increase your knowledge base and provide additional opportunities for learning activities (such as using biotelemetry to track raccoon movements or spawning Chinook salmon at the Whitlock Bay spawning station on Lake Oahe). Just as important, these student professional societies provide the opportunity for students to learn organizational skills and how to lead meetings. Such skills are directly useful to your future careers. So, check out the club that best fits your personal interests!
The American Fisheries Society Club is represented by the student subunit at SDSU. The club strives to educate students on topics in fisheries research, field techniques and to help them gain a better understanding of careers in fisheries biology. We often have speakers who are professionals in their field and have lots of fun events! Students can learn fisheries field techniques like electrofishing, seining and otolith collection, as well as going on field trips. The club is open to anybody with an interest in fish or fisheries, and we hope to see you at our next meeting! The club can be found on Instagram at and Facebook as SDSU American Fisheries Society Student Subunit.
The Botanical Society of America (Botany Club) promotes botany, the field of science dealing with the study and inquiry into the form, function, development, reproduction, evolution and uses of plants and their interactions within the biosphere. This student group meets regularly and enhances members’ knowledge of native plants and herbarium work, completes plant-based crafts and projects and participates in events and activities within the SDSU and Brookings communities. Follow along on Instagram at .
Ecology Club to promote awareness of ecological and environmental issues and to promote sustainability practices within our community, as well as provide activities and resources to students who wish to pursue an interest in ecology. The student group of Ecological Society of America organizes a variety of outdoor and ecological-related activities such as rock climbing, making homemade paper, nature hikes and undergraduate research. The club can be found on Instagram at .
For students majoring in natural resource law enforcement or interested in law enforcement, this club facilitates peer connections and professional networking. Take part in law enforcement scenarios, hear from speakers and current law enforcement officers and explore the fascinating world of natural resource law enforcement in other ways!
- Practice wildlife and fisheries laws
- Get involved with the community
- Network with current conservation officers
- Gain hirable skills needed for the field
- Participate in field-based training and scenarios
- Develop leadership and teamwork abilities
Follow along on Instagram at .
The Park Interpretation and Management Club, newly launched in 2025, is a student-led organization focused on building practical skills for park-related careers. The club provides hands-on opportunities in areas such as naturalist programming, community engagement, professional development and interpretive design. Activities include educational programming, exhibit and signage creation, hiking and camping, fostering both career preparation and a strong appreciation for the outdoors. Follow along on Instagram at .
Read more in the Collegian news article.
SDSU’s Pheasants Forever Chapter is one of only five collegiate chapters within the national nonprofit organization of Pheasants and Quail Forever. The chapter strives to involve college students in the mission of Pheasants Forever by providing a variety of hands-on experiences and educational activities throughout the year. Pheasants and Quail Forever’s mission is to conserve pheasants, quail and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public access, education and conservation advocacy. Chapter activities include habitat work, shooting events, annual banquets and attending National Pheasant Fest. Follow them for more info on Instagram at and Facebook at .
The SDSU Range Club was founded in the 1980s and is a student chapter of the Society for Range Management. They aim to promote interest in range management through education and enhancement of social and professional skills. The club provides educational opportunities for high school students through FFA and 4-H contests. Students can travel and compete at the international Society for Range Management meeting in plant identification and range management team competitions. Find them on Instagram at .
The Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Club is a student chapter of The Wildlife Society. Goals include: to foster campus and community awareness of wildlife issues; encourage professionalism and high standards of scholarship; prepare members for careers in wildlife biology, conservation and management; augment educational opportunities for students; and provide opportunities for improved communication among members, other student chapters and The Wildlife Society. The club welcomes students of all backgrounds and majors with a passion for wildlife and natural resources. We strive to provide our members with unique real-world experiences that will benefit them, including volunteering with professionals in the field, managing duck boxes at a local park, hosting guest speakers, club trips and our annual Buffalo Banquet! Find them on Instagram at and Facebook at .
