FAIRFIELD — Are you interested in learning more about Connecticut’s plants, animals, natural resources, and wildlife conservation issues? Would you like to experience the rewards of sharing this knowledge through education outreach, citizen science projects, and volunteer service in your community?

If the answer is yes, the Connecticut Audubon Society’s Naturalist Training Program may be a great opportunity for you!

The 2021 Naturalist Training in Connecticut Audubon’s Southwest Region welcomes adults of all experience and knowledge levels. Classes begin September 9 and meet on Thursdays, from 10 am to 2 pm (with one exception) through October 28. Over eight weeks, the program offers the unique advantage of study at three biodiverse locations: Connecticut Audubon’s Birdcraft Sanctuary, the Center at Fairfield’s Larsen Sanctuary, and the Coastal Center at Milford Point.

The 32 hours of instruction are led by environmental educators, natural resource managers, and scientists. The course incorporates both classroom presentations and hands-on outdoor field experiences. The curriculum topics include plant and bird identification, habitats and ecosystems, the geology of Connecticut, mammals, herpetology, bird banding, marine ecosystems, and the history and operations of the Connecticut Audubon Society.

“It was one of the best courses I have taken in my lifetime,” says Meral Prewitt, of Stratford, a graduate of a previous class. “Not only did I learn more about nature and my surroundings, but I met a group of outstanding individuals who have like passions.”

At the end of the training, graduates receive a certificate of completion and are entered in the Connecticut Audubon Society volunteer database. Each participant will also work with the program coordinator to identify a project or activity to which they can apply their knowledge and interests and fulfill ten hours of required volunteer time at any Connecticut Audubon location.

The deadline for applications is August 31, 2021. The course will cost $260 for Connecticut Audubon Society members and $315 for non-members (includes a Connecticut Audubon Society membership).

For more information, including the program brochure and online application, visit ctaudubon.org/swr-naturalist-training. E-mail questions about the program to cnoyes@ctaudubon.org.

Based in Fairfield, the Connecticut Audubon Society is the state’s original and independent Audubon society. It has seven centers and 20 sanctuaries covering more than 3,000 acres, an EcoTravel program in Essex, and an award-winning outdoor conservation education program, Science in Nature.