The Goodwin Master Naturalist Program
2022 Registration now open!
James L. Goodwin Conservation Center Master Naturalist program
The mission of James L. Goodwin Conservation Center’s Master Naturalist program is to develop a diverse community of naturalists and promote stewardship of the environment. Are you interested in learning more about the habitats, plants, animals and natural history of Connecticut? Are you a landowner, citizen, teacher, park naturalist, land trust employee, conservation planning board member or natural resource professional looking to increase your knowledge of the natural environment? If so, join us for our 2022 Master Naturalist Training.
Through this program, participants will learn about the ecosystems of Connecticut, the animals and plants that inhabit our area, and current conservation issues affecting our wildlife and natural resources. The program includes a mix of indoor classroom presentations and outdoor hands-on field sessions where participants learn to identify, interpret, and understand key ecological Connecticut’s natural resources through education and service. Participants completing the Level I course will become “Apprentice Naturalists”, and no further training is required. Individuals interested in becoming a “Master Naturalist” may go on to complete the Level II course.
The mission of James L. Goodwin Conservation Center’s Master Naturalist program is to develop a diverse community of naturalists and promote stewardship of the environment. Are you interested in learning more about the habitats, plants, animals and natural history of Connecticut? Are you a landowner, citizen, teacher, park naturalist, land trust employee, conservation planning board member or natural resource professional looking to increase your knowledge of the natural environment? If so, join us for our 2022 Master Naturalist Training.
Through this program, participants will learn about the ecosystems of Connecticut, the animals and plants that inhabit our area, and current conservation issues affecting our wildlife and natural resources. The program includes a mix of indoor classroom presentations and outdoor hands-on field sessions where participants learn to identify, interpret, and understand key ecological Connecticut’s natural resources through education and service. Participants completing the Level I course will become “Apprentice Naturalists”, and no further training is required. Individuals interested in becoming a “Master Naturalist” may go on to complete the Level II course.
Master Naturalist Program Overview:
APPLICATION PROCESS (Level 1)
Important dates:
LEVEL I: APPRENTICE NATURALIST 35 + hours formal classroom/field training consisting of 7 classes. Attendance mandatory on 4/23. Students are expected to attend all sessions, with one excused absence if necessary. Many of these classes will be held at Goodwin, though we may change the location (with plenty of notice) of a few classes to make the field sites more pertinent to the material being taught.
Cost: $250.00. Scholarships available.
Short research project with report on the findings.
Attend at least one field trip, date to be determined.
Attend at least three out of of ten special programs offered as a part of the James L Goodwin Conservation Center’s Environmental Education Series.
25 hours of educational outreach.
All requirements completed by September 2, 2022
Must be 16 years or older.
Level 1 Application
Scholarship Application
LEVEL II: MASTER NATURALIST
Successful completion of Apprentice Naturalist, Level I and an additional payment of $275.00.
35 + hours formal classroom/field training consisting of 7 classes taught by specialist in their fields.
Topics will be similar to Level 1, but more in depth and taught by numerous experts in each field.
Important Dates
In-depth research project in area of focus and report on the findings.
Attend at least two special programs at Goodwin or in other locations as approved by the Master Naturalist teacher or admin
25 hours of educa-onal outreach.
COURSE MATERIALS
Participants will receive a textbook.
Level 2 Application
APPLICATION PROCESS (Level 1)
Important dates:
- Applications postmarked no later than Friday, March 18, 2022
- Letters of acceptance will be emailed by Saturday, April 1
- Class dates: 4/23*, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28 (*required attendance)
LEVEL I: APPRENTICE NATURALIST 35 + hours formal classroom/field training consisting of 7 classes. Attendance mandatory on 4/23. Students are expected to attend all sessions, with one excused absence if necessary. Many of these classes will be held at Goodwin, though we may change the location (with plenty of notice) of a few classes to make the field sites more pertinent to the material being taught.
Cost: $250.00. Scholarships available.
Short research project with report on the findings.
Attend at least one field trip, date to be determined.
Attend at least three out of of ten special programs offered as a part of the James L Goodwin Conservation Center’s Environmental Education Series.
25 hours of educational outreach.
All requirements completed by September 2, 2022
Must be 16 years or older.
Level 1 Application
Scholarship Application
LEVEL II: MASTER NATURALIST
Successful completion of Apprentice Naturalist, Level I and an additional payment of $275.00.
35 + hours formal classroom/field training consisting of 7 classes taught by specialist in their fields.
Topics will be similar to Level 1, but more in depth and taught by numerous experts in each field.
Important Dates
- Applications postmarked no later than August 19, 2022
- Letters of acceptance will be emailed by September 2, 2022
- Class dates: 9/24, 10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22.\, 10/29, 11/5
In-depth research project in area of focus and report on the findings.
Attend at least two special programs at Goodwin or in other locations as approved by the Master Naturalist teacher or admin
25 hours of educa-onal outreach.
COURSE MATERIALS
Participants will receive a textbook.
Level 2 Application
Training Program
Level I (Apprentice Naturalist) consists of a minimum of 35+ hours of instruction composed of classroom sessions and field trips.
Level II (Master Naturalist) is taught by a number of experts in the natural resource community as well as university professors, state and federal agency biologists and specialists.
Level I (Apprentice Naturalist) consists of a minimum of 35+ hours of instruction composed of classroom sessions and field trips.
Level II (Master Naturalist) is taught by a number of experts in the natural resource community as well as university professors, state and federal agency biologists and specialists.
This program is possible by our supporting partners:
CT Department of Energy and the Environment, Connecticut Forest and Parks Association, and the Friends of Goodwin Forest.
CT Department of Energy and the Environment, Connecticut Forest and Parks Association, and the Friends of Goodwin Forest.
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Quotes from previous Master Naturalist Students:
"This course has opened my eyes to so much more and has left me wanting to learn more. The enthusiasm and passion for what is being taught is incredible." "Loved the program and can't say enough to others about the experiences. 'Awesome' usually starts the conversation." All classes "were extraordinarily well done and the expertise which was apparent for every class would be difficult to match anywhere." "I liked the fact that the course was somewhat challenging while not being demanding. It gave plenty of additional info/opportunity for those well versed in a particular area to follow up without overwhelming those who were less familiar with that area." "Based on my experience with the course, it gave me improved knowledge of CT ecosystems. I have added sufficient knowledge to my repertoire which gives me a greater comfort level for outreach work. The course sparked sufficient interest in me such that I spent the spring and summer reinforcing what I learned." |