The Goodwin Master Naturalist Program
2023 applications are closed.

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.

 Application Process

• Submit an application form by Friday, March 10th.
• You will learn of the status of your application by Friday, March 17th. 
• If accepted into the program, submit payment of $315.00 by Friday, April 7th
• Payment can be a  check made out to FGF/CFPA  and mailed to Goodwin Conservation Center, 23 Potter Road, Hampton, CT 06247     OR  online

Master Naturalist Program

$315.00

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Program Requirements

• Must be 18 years old or older.
• Submit payment of $315.00 by Friday, April 7th. Please do not submit payment until you have received confirmation of acceptance into the Master Naturalist Program. 
• ~65 hours of in-person learning consisting of 12 monthly field programs.. Two excused absences are allowed, but attendance at the first class (4/22/23) and last class (3/23/24) are mandatory.
• ~16 hours of virtual learning consisting of 11 (1.5 hour) webinars which will meet once a month on a weeknight. One excused absence allowed.
• Completion of a Phenology Project and short presentation at the last meeting.
• Contribute 30 hours of volunteer service toward the conservation and education of natural resources and natural areas within your community.
• Be enthusiastic about natural resource education, conservation and stewardship with a willingness to learn and a desire to share knowledge with others.
• Attendance at 4 nature-themed educational programs offered outside of the Master Naturalist program.
• Have access to Google Drive and Zoom via computer, tablet, or smartphone. 

Course Materials

• Participants will receive their own copy of Naturally Curious: A Photographic Field Guide and Month-By-Month Journey Through the Fields, Woods, and Marshes of New England by Mary Holland to add to their library.
• A copy of the book Connecticut Wildlife: Biodiversity, Natural History, and Conservation by Geoffrey A. Hammerson will be loaned out to each student the first day of the program and returned on the last day. 
• Participants will also receive a small field notebook and loupe. 
• Participants will have access to a Master Naturalist Google Drive folder, which will contain program documents, presentation slides, recommended readings, photos from our classes, etc.

Learning Objectives

• An overview of the James L. Goodwin Master Naturalist Program, including the mission and objectives of the program, and the guidelines for participation
• What a naturalist is and does and the significance of naturalists and natural history
• Connecticut’s unique habitats and the flora and fauna that live in each
• Basic concepts of ecology and geology
• The art of nature interpretation and environmental education
• How to get involved in community science projects around Connecticut

Questions? Contact Master Naturalist Administrator, Elizabeth Merow, at 860.398.4527 or education@ctwoodlands.org.

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.

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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.

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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."