“The Goodwin Master Naturalist Program revealed the incredible diversity of landscapes across our small state. We visited towns and natural areas I had never even heard of—and I’ve lived in Connecticut my whole life! It was both eye-opening and energizing. I’m excited to revisit many of those places and to keep exploring new ones.”
-Master Naturalist Participant, 2023-2024 Cohort
“This program provided so many wonderful moments of connection with nature and fellow naturalists.”
-Master Naturalist Participant, 2023-2024
“Amazing! Meeting throughout the year, a mix of field and virtual experiences, and the expertise of presenters all made this extremely effective and valuable.”
-Master Naturalist Participant, 2023-2024 Cohort
James L. Goodwin Master Naturalist Program
Are you a community member, teacher, educator, land trust volunteer, conservation planning board member or natural resource professional looking to increase your knowledge of the natural environment?
If so, join us for our Master Naturalist training. The mission of James L. Goodwin Conservation Center’s Master Naturalist program is to develop a diverse community of naturalists who promote stewardship of the environment.
Through this year-long 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 typically meets in-person all day one Saturday each month and then meets virtually one evening each month. At each in-person meeting we try to visit a different habitat type (e.g., meadow, young forest, mature forest, beach, rocky shore, estuary, inland sand plains, urban forest, stream, pond, trap-rock ridge) and explore the flora, fauna, and fungi that live there. These locations include sites all over CT. The program also includes a project and volunteer outreach component.
This is a competitive program—we typically receive two to three times more applications than available spots (we accept about 25 participants each year). In reviewing applications, we especially prioritize individuals who have a built-in network or community where they can share what they learn. We’re looking for “force multipliers”—people who will take their knowledge and inspire others to connect with and care for the natural world.
The Goodwin Master Naturalist program is sponsored by the Friends of Goodwin Forest and CT Forest & Park Association.
The application period for the 2025–2026 James L. Goodwin Master Naturalist Program is now open! Applications are due by August 1st, 2025, and the program will run from November 2025 through October 2026.
Find the application and more information about the program HERE.
Juan Sanchez
The Goodwin Conservation Center’s Master Naturalist Program is the work and passion of a team led by Juan Sanchez. Juan Sanchez received a Masters in Science and Natural History with his Teaching certification from UCONN. His education experience spans four decades. His field work and research are equally impressive, spanning the hemisphere from the Amazon basin to inventorying lichen in Newfoundland and Ontario. He is a board member of the Connecticut Bird Conservation Research and Connecticut Botanical Society, and a member of the CT Entomological Society and CT Science Teachers Association. Juan left his position as Naturalist at the Goodwin Center but is still actively involved with the program.