The Goodwin Conservation Center is closed to the public until further notice.  


​Although the Conservation Center buildings are closed, the trails, grounds and gardens are open dawn to dusk. 
Please click here for Safety Guidelines

Picnicking is not allowed, but you can still go fishing or boating.
As more people come out to enjoy Goodwin, there is the possibility that the parking lot will be closed on a case-by-case basis to maintain social distancing. These closures are posted on DEEP’s Twitter.

​Thank you for social distancing, and enjoy the trails!
Have you registered for the semi-virtual train run?
Registration is limited to 250 participants
Run on your own schedule May 29 - June 13
Looking for programs? 
Click here for upcoming activities and webinars!
​Register early -​space is limited for many events.
Children's Discovery Trail Fundraiser
We're raising funds to add music to the children's trail.  Details here!
Are you looking for something to do when you don't want to go outside? 
Check out the new volunteer portal at CFPA.

Volunteer Portal

You will be able to  create an account, log your volunteer hours and check out volunteer opportunities.  
For those who didn't know Fran, he was quite a trail manager, volunteer and all-around wonderful person.  
His passion for Goodwin helped make it what it is today.  We miss him but hope to carry on his spirit. 
TRAIL CLOSURES
The portion of the Blue/Yellow Trail between Cannon Road and the Blue Trail is currently closed for safety purposes during a forest harvest which will remove standing dead hazard trees near the trail. Trees are being felled and logs moved with large machinery. It would be very dangerous to be in the area. Please use the Blue Trail as an alternate. The Blue Trail will remain open during the harvest and portions closed for only a few minutes at a time as trees are felled near it. Thank you.
For further information please contact
Forester Edward McGuire at Shenipsit State Forest Headquarters at 860-324-9475.

Due to considerable tree mortality (gypsy moth, drought, 2-lined chestnut borer, and other issues), the trail sections (Red, Red-White loop and the NW section of the Yellow) marked in black below will be closed until further notice. 
IT IS UNSAFE TO BE IN THESE AREAS. 
Tree removal has begun in order to make the trails safe to pass. 
If you need more information, please contact Matthew Quinn
Clicking on the map will open in a new window.
Picture

​Mission Statement  
The mission of the Friends of Goodwin Forest is to advocate, enhance and support education, recreation and conservation activities of the historic James L. Goodwin Forest and Conservation Education Center.
Do you enjoy the Center's programs? 
Are you a fan of the trails and gardens? 
​Please consider volunteering and/or joining the Friends of Goodwin Forest to help us continue our mission.
Donations help us make a difference.  We appreciate your support.
 Reminder:
CHECK YOURSELF FOR TICKS AFTER ANY OUTDOOR ACTIVITY.

Treating clothes and shoes with permethrin will help deter ticks but you should always do a self-check.
Have you heard about our Master Naturalist led Meetup Group? 
The group is for anyone interested in learning more about Connecticut state parks and forests and are led by Master Naturalists who trained at the Goodwin Conservation Center.   Their next hike will be on December 17th at 1:00 pm.  
​All details can be found on the Meetup site.
              Welcome to the James. L. Goodwin State Forest and Conservation Education Center!
   Give back to Goodwin;
enrich someone’s life.
If you have a passion about a conservation, environmental, ecologically -related topic of your choice that you want to share, this is your opportunity.  We here at Goodwin would like you to present that knowledge to your peers! 
 Host a hike, give a presentation, do some outdoor activities or experiments, or just have an open ended discussion. 
Goodwin Conservation Center is looking for volunteers who have knowledge about various conservation-related topics and the ability and desire to share that knowledge with others. We are looking for with knowledge in all conservation topics including birding, rocks, invasive species, survival skills, pollution, photography, nature technological equipment, gardening, etc.

Teaching experience helpful but not required. For more information, contact Beth Bernard.
The video above is from 2012.  Most of our programs are free and open to the public.  Look for Current Programs under the events tab to find our monthly listings.
Have you done the Goodwin Forest Trail Challenge?

In a effort to raise money to further the mission of our organization, we are challenging individuals to become members of the Friends of Goodwin Forest and to hike all 19 miles of trails within the forest.

​Click here for all the details!

The James L. Goodwin Forest and Conservation Education Center is located at
                            23 Potter Road
                        Hampton, CT 06247
                           860-455-9534

The 2000 acre forest and Richard Haley Native Wildlife Garden are open from sunup to sundown year round.

The Conservation Education Center and museums are open on a part-time basis, please call ahead when planning a visit.
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