Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Rocky Neck State Park is also closed until further notice due to a brush fire. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at a 'very high' or 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

The State of Connecticut wants to ensure that all residents have access to the incredible natural resources that make this state such a great place to live. Here are just a few of the programs we offer to reach out to our residents with information and to engage our children in learning more about protecting our environment.

Explore These Programs/Information Sources

Urban Forestry Programs
Explore opportunities for municipalities, organizations, and individuals to become engaged in effective urban forestry activities, including improved care and maintenance of the urban forest.

No Child Left Inside Program
Learn more about this program designed to introduce children to the wonder of nature – for their own health and well-being, for the future of environmental conservation, and for the preservation of the beauty, character, and communities of Connecticut.
Outdoor Recreational Opportunities for Those with Disabilities
Learn how DEEP is working to ensure that all visitors have access to the many outdoor recreational opportunities available at Connecticut State Parks and Forests.
Fish with CARE (CT Aquatic Resources Education)
Find out about “learn to fish” classes that are open to all Connecticut residents — and taught by state-certified fishing instructors.
Community Fishing Waters
Explore the fish found in Connecticut waters with the help of this list of community fishing waters and maps of fishing locations throughout the state.

 

Leverage These Educational Resources

Educational Information for the Classroom
Find information and resources for use in the classroom, at home, or in your local community, including educator workshops, student field trips, and public education courses.  

Educator Workshops
Find out how to bring these resources into your classroom or program by attending one of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s interesting teacher workshops.
Public Education Courses
Find public education courses across a variety of outdoor topics including hunting, safe boating, fishing, forest practitioners, aquifer protection, and more.
Environmental Curriculum on Climate Change
Explore educational programs, events, and educator workshops throughout the year, with some that focus on air quality and climate change.
Student Field Trip Sites
Explore this helpful list of student field trip locations throughout the state with details about what to expect at each destination. 

Ways to Connect

  • For environmental justice administrative inquiries, please contact Edith Pestana (Program Administrator) at (860) 424-3044 or edith.pestana@ct.gov.
  • For community and education coordination inquiries, please contact Doris Johnson (Outreach & Education Coordinator) at (860) 424-3053 or doris.johnson@ct.gov.