William Elmendorf is a Professor and holds the Ibberson Chair in Community and Urban Forestry at Pennsylvania State University, affiliated with the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management. He serves as Co-Director of the Human Dimensions of Natural Resources and the Environment Intercollege Program and leads Penn State's Extension Urban Forestry Program. His leadership roles include Chair of the Penn State University Tree Commission and the Borough of State College Municipal Tree Commission, alongside national positions in the Society of American Foresters. Education includes a B.S. (1980) and M.B.A. (1986) from the University of Montana, and a Ph.D. (2002) from Pennsylvania State University. Research focuses on integrating land-use policy with environmental conservation, emphasizing: Urban forestry management and community green infrastructure Human behavioral responses to landscapes and public space design Regulatory frameworks for woodland preservation in developing areas Equity in recreation access and socio-cultural dynamics of urban parks Publications reflect a strong emphasis on social-ecological systems, with recurring themes in community participation, policy implementation, and cross-cultural studies of urban green spaces. Recent work prioritizes qualitative methodologies and stakeholder engagement strategies in conservation planning. Secured $12.7M in extramural funding as principal/co-principal investigator. Teaches courses including HDNRE 574 (Human Dimensions of Natural Resources), FOR 450 (Writing-Intensive Natural Resource Analysis), and FOR 401 (Urban Forestry Management). Directs extension initiatives translating research into municipal forestry guidelines and public training resources, with over 20 practical publications on tree care, policy development, and community engagement.
