Marianne Krasny is Professor and Chair in the Department of Natural Resources, and Director of the Initiative for Civic Ecology, at Cornell University. Her work focuses on environmental education and social-ecological systems theory in urban and other settings in the US and internationally.
Dr. Krasny has a long history of conducting science and environmental education outreach in partnership with community-based organizations. She is interested in civic ecology practices, including community gardening, community forestry, watershed enhancement, and other forms of urban restoration. Her research investigates how environmental education programs situated in civic ecology practices foster resilience in social-ecological systems.
Project Ecopolis, a multi-generational youth program to be conducted by Dr. Krasny in partnership with the American Community Gardening Association, has received endorsement by the National Forum on Children and Nature. Together with the 4-H Military Families Partnerships, Dr. Krasny recently embarked on the Defiant Gardens project for Veterans, children, and Soldiers deployed overseas.
As chair of a multi-disciplinary and cutting-edge natural resources department, Dr. Krasny leads efforts to integrate the social and biological sciences to address conservation issues. She also serves as Chair of the North American Association for Environmental Education Research Commission, where she has led discussions about the larger goals of environmental education research.
Professor Krasny holds bachelors degrees in Human Development and Botany, and MS and PhD degrees in Forest Ecology. She does not teach courses. Her responsibilities at Cornell include educational outreach, applied research, and administration.
Department of Natural Resources
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853
Phone: 607-255-2827
Fax: 607-255-0349
Email: mek2@cornell.edu