Master Wildlife Conservationist Program

Applications for the 2026 Master Wildlife Conservationist Training Program are being accepted from February 11th through March 11th, 2026! Please see details below to apply.

Master Wildlife Conservationist Program

The Master Wildlife Conservationist Program (MWCP) is administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Wildlife Division. The program provides adults with education and training on the natural history, biology, conservation, management, and interpretation of Connecticut’s wildlife.

What Is Involved?

Participants receive approximately 40 hours of intensive classroom and field training. After completing a training session, each participant provides 40 hours of volunteer service within the first 18 months to become certified as a Master Wildlife Conservationist (MWC). Volunteer service primarily involves public outreach but may also include assisting Wildlife Division Staff with special projects. Continued learning opportunities will be provided for established MWCs each year. Following the initial volunteer period (18 months), MWCs must provide 25 hours of volunteer service and attend at least one continued learning class annually to remain certified. There is no cost to the participants. 

Program Goals

The Master Wildlife Conservationist Program (MWCP) fosters a dedicated corps of knowledgeable volunteers who promote healthy and sustainable relationships between Connecticut’s residents and wildlife resources. The goals of the program are as follows:

• Provide Connecticut residents an opportunity to participate in a natural resource-based education program.
• Increase public knowledge and understanding of conservation as it relates to wildlife and natural resource management.
• Encourage participation of volunteers and communities in conservation efforts.
• Inspire public support of statewide conservation endeavors. 

The 2026 Training Program

The MWCP is very popular. This year, 25 applicants will be selected to participate in the training. Classes will occur from May 5, 2026 through July 25, 2026. Most classes will occur on Tuesday nights (6:00 PM–9:00 PM), with some field-based classes on weekends. Most classes will be held at the Sessions Woods Conservation Education Center in Burlington, Connecticut, but will include other locations throughout the state. Applicants should ensure their ability to attend all classes by viewing the session schedule beforehand (see schedule, below). Participants must attend all classes to become certified as a Master Wildlife Conservationist. Please notify program administrators of any questions by sending an email to DEEP.MWCP@ct.gov.

View the 2026 Training Schedule.

Program topics will include, but are not limited to, habitat management, invasive species, wildlife ecology, interpretation, migratory and coastal birds, population ecology, hunting and trapping, wetland management, bats and small mammals, wildlife diseases, human interactions with wildlife, and environmental law enforcement.

Application Information

To apply to participate in the MWCP and 2026 Training Program, please complete the application and reference forms below by March 11, 2026. These are available as online forms (preferred) but may also be sent via email or postal mail. Applicants will be notified of admittance to the program by April 1, 2026.

Online Application Form (Preferred)

Online Reference Form (Preferred)

Application Form for Submission by Email or Postal Mail

Reference Form for Submission by Email or Postal Mail

 

Interested in participating at some point in the future?

To be notified of future training sessions, please complete this form. Plans for future training sessions, including dates and other details, are in development.

 

 

If you have questions about the Master Wildlife Conservationist Program, please contact us at DEEP.MWCP@ct.gov.

If you are interested in scheduling an educational presentation from one of our Master Wildlife Conservationists, please select this link: Master Wildlife Conservationist Outreach Programs.

Content last updated on February 10, 2026.