At Fresno State, students aren’t just learning about environmental sustainability – they’re actively shaping it. Whether it is preserving native wildlife or recharging groundwater supplies, students across disciplines are tackling some of California’s most pressing environmental challenges. These unique learning experiences are paving the way for a greener, more resilient Central Valley while also developing its future leaders.

1. Bringing endangered lizards back to the wild
   Fresno State biology students are helping save the blunt-nosed leopard lizard. Through hands-on work in Dr. Rory Telemeco’s TREE lab, students tracked, tagged and studied the species. Now, thanks to a partnership with the Fresno Chaffee Zoo and federal agencies, the lizards are being reintroduced to the Panoche Hills.
   
2. Fueling cleaner transportation 
   At a global summit hosted by Fresno State, students presented research on clean energy solutions like hydrogen, biofuels and electrification. The event sparked innovation and collaboration on more sustainable ways to move people and goods.
   
3. Shaping California’s climate future
   At the 11th annual Eccles Family Rural West Conference, students explored the Central Valley’s role in California’s environmental future. They joined experts and community leaders to discuss the region’s challenges with water, agriculture and energy.
   
4. Refilling California’s groundwater
   Fresno State is partnering with the Sustainable Conservation organization to test “on-farm recharge,” a method of flooding pistachio orchards in the winter to replenish groundwater. Students are studying how this affects crops, soil health and long-term water sustainability.
   
5. Cataloging native plant life
   Through the Biology 125: Plant Taxonomy course, students are preserving local biodiversity by identifying and collecting plant specimens for the university’s herbarium, which holds more than 40,000 samples, some dating back to the 1800s.
   
6. Greening agriculture with smart tools
   At the university’s updated horticulture unit, students are using technology like vertical farming and automated irrigation to grow sustainably. They also compost, plant drought-tolerant trees, and apply what they learn to protect the Central Valley’s natural resources.

(Story by Celeste Jones)