Opportunities From: Connecticut Forest & Park Association

Volunteer: Spring Trails Workshop 2026

Join CFPA for our annual Spring Trails Workshop! This is a great opportunity to meet fellow volunteers, learn new skills and help improve the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System.

We will work on a variety of trail improvement projects in the Bristol area. Projects will include adding new sections of bog bridging, re-blazing trail, and more. We will split up into teams and work at a few different sites in the area, some which may require a short drive. 

Come prepared to spend the day outdoors. Wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, and clothes that can get dirty. Please bring water, snacks, lunch, bug spray, long sleeve shirt, work gloves, and a backpack to carry your personal items. All tools provided. No experience necessary.

Plan to arrive a few minutes before 9am so we can have a prompt start. We will work until 2/ 2:30pm. If you need to leave early, that's okay.

- We will be meeting at the Sessions Woods Wildlife Management parking lot : Google Maps Link Here

- Carpooling is recommended.

- Please leave pets at home.

- Rain date is Sunday, May 3rd. 

Please sign our liability waiver for the event: Google Forms Link

Initiative: Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails

Join CFPA for our annual Spring Trails Workshop! This is a great opportunity to meet fellow volunteers, learn new skills and help improve the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System.

We will work on a variety of trail improvement projects in the Bristol area. Projects will include adding new sections of bog bridging, re-blazing trail, and more. We will split up into teams and work at a few different sites in the area, some which may require a short drive. 

Come prepared to spend the day outdoors. Wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, and clothes that can get dirty. Please bring water, snacks, lunch, bug spray, long sleeve shirt, work gloves, and a backpack to carry your personal items. All tools provided. No experience necessary.

Plan to arrive a few minutes before 9am so we can have a prompt start. We will work until 2/ 2:30pm. If you need to leave early, that's okay.

- We will be meeting at the Sessions Woods Wildlife Management parking lot : Google Maps Link Here

- Carpooling is recommended.

- Please leave pets at home.

- Rain date is Sunday, May 3rd. 

Please sign our liability waiver for the event: Google Forms Link

Initiative: Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On May 2, 2026

Zip Code: 06013

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Represent CFPA at REI

Volunteer Opportunity: Represent CFPA at REI West Hartford!

We’re looking for a friendly volunteer to staff a Connecticut Forest & Park Association table at REI on one of the following dates: May 9, 10, 15, or 16 from 12–1 PM.

Linda is happy to give you a quick coaching session beforehand if
helpful. It’s a great way to connect with people who already love the
outdoors and introduce them to CFPA’s work.

Your role is simple and enjoyable:

Pick up CFPA tabling materials in advance Set up at REI with help from the store manager Spend an hour sharing who we are and what we do - You won’t need to “sell”—our brochures and Blue-Blazed Trail map do most of the talking. Customers love browsing, asking questions, and often leave with CFPA info in hand.

Message Linda:   lpierce@ctwoodlands.org if you are interested in a specific date/s

Initiative: Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails

Volunteer Opportunity: Represent CFPA at REI West Hartford!

We’re looking for a friendly volunteer to staff a Connecticut Forest & Park Association table at REI on one of the following dates: May 9, 10, 15, or 16 from 12–1 PM.

Linda is happy to give you a quick coaching session beforehand if
helpful. It’s a great way to connect with people who already love the
outdoors and introduce them to CFPA’s work.

Your role is simple and enjoyable:

Pick up CFPA tabling materials in advance Set up at REI with help from the store manager Spend an hour sharing who we are and what we do - You won’t need to “sell”—our brochures and Blue-Blazed Trail map do most of the talking. Customers love browsing, asking questions, and often leave with CFPA info in hand.

Message Linda:   lpierce@ctwoodlands.org if you are interested in a specific date/s

Initiative: Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: May 9, 2026 through May 16, 2026

Zip Code: 06110

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Ragged Mountain Bridge Workparty (May 14th)

Join CFPA for a work party to help the Connecticut Woodlands Conservation Corps leaders and staff build a new bridge on the Blue/Red. Projects will include adding decking and railings to the bridge, as well as moving lumber. 

All tools provided. All skills welcome. Come prepared to get dirty and have fun. We will be working on steep terrain, and may be hiking more than one mile each way over the course of the work party.

Alex, CFPA's Trails Stewardship Coordinator, will meet you at the Ragged Mountain Trailhead on West Lane  at 9:30 am. Directions to parking are here: Google Maps Link.

Please bring LOTS of water (even more than you think you'll need), snacks, bug spray, bug net, sunblock, lunch, rain gear, work gloves, backpack to carry your gear, and any personal items you need to spend a few hours in the woods. Be sure to wear long pants & sturdy closed-toe shoes, long sleeves are recommended. There is always the risk of poison ivy and ticks. No pets please.

Thanks for your support of CFPA and the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails!

Initiative: Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails

Join CFPA for a work party to help the Connecticut Woodlands Conservation Corps leaders and staff build a new bridge on the Blue/Red. Projects will include adding decking and railings to the bridge, as well as moving lumber. 

All tools provided. All skills welcome. Come prepared to get dirty and have fun. We will be working on steep terrain, and may be hiking more than one mile each way over the course of the work party.

Alex, CFPA's Trails Stewardship Coordinator, will meet you at the Ragged Mountain Trailhead on West Lane  at 9:30 am. Directions to parking are here: Google Maps Link.

Please bring LOTS of water (even more than you think you'll need), snacks, bug spray, bug net, sunblock, lunch, rain gear, work gloves, backpack to carry your gear, and any personal items you need to spend a few hours in the woods. Be sure to wear long pants & sturdy closed-toe shoes, long sleeves are recommended. There is always the risk of poison ivy and ticks. No pets please.

Thanks for your support of CFPA and the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails!

Initiative: Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On May 14, 2026

Zip Code: 06037

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Old Furnace Drainage Work - 6/18

Join CFPA for a work party to help staff with digging drainage along the Old Furnace Trail in Danielson. Projects will include digging drainage, re-blazing, as well as the potential for water bars in some areas.

All tools provided. All skills welcome. Come prepared to get dirty and have fun. We will be working in muddy terrain, and may be hiking more than one mile each way over the course of the work party. Brooke, CFPA's Assistant Trails Coordinator will meet you at Old Furnace State Park on South Frontage Rd at 9AM. 

 Directions to parking are here: Google Maps Link. 

Please bring LOTS of water (even more than you think you'll need), snacks, bug spray, bug net, sunblock, lunch, rain gear, work gloves, backpack to carry your gear, and any personal items you need to spend a few hours in the woods.

For easier access to some areas, carpooling may be needed to get to trailhead on Squaw Rock Rd. 

Be sure to wear long pants & sturdy closed-toe shoes, long sleeves are recommended. There is always the risk of poison ivy and ticks. No pets please. Thanks for your support of CFPA and the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails!


Please sign our liability waiver before the event: https://forms.gle/oTQgtFj8PjwrHCfW9  

Initiative: Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails

Join CFPA for a work party to help staff with digging drainage along the Old Furnace Trail in Danielson. Projects will include digging drainage, re-blazing, as well as the potential for water bars in some areas.

All tools provided. All skills welcome. Come prepared to get dirty and have fun. We will be working in muddy terrain, and may be hiking more than one mile each way over the course of the work party. Brooke, CFPA's Assistant Trails Coordinator will meet you at Old Furnace State Park on South Frontage Rd at 9AM. 

 Directions to parking are here: Google Maps Link. 

Please bring LOTS of water (even more than you think you'll need), snacks, bug spray, bug net, sunblock, lunch, rain gear, work gloves, backpack to carry your gear, and any personal items you need to spend a few hours in the woods.

For easier access to some areas, carpooling may be needed to get to trailhead on Squaw Rock Rd. 

Be sure to wear long pants & sturdy closed-toe shoes, long sleeves are recommended. There is always the risk of poison ivy and ticks. No pets please. Thanks for your support of CFPA and the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails!


Please sign our liability waiver before the event: https://forms.gle/oTQgtFj8PjwrHCfW9  

Initiative: Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Jun 18, 2026

Zip Code: 06239

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: SOLO Wilderness First Aid - 2-day Courses (Volunteers & Public) 2026

2025 Course Dates (2 Separate Course)

Must Register and Pay At Course Links BelowMay 16 & 17 (Link to Spring Course)October 10 & 11 (Link to Fall Course)

(DO NOT RESPOND to this opportunity it does not register you for one of the above courses)

CFPA Sawyers Email Alex Bradley for link to sign up abradley@ctwoodlands.org

Course InformationCost of Course is $215.00 Instructor: James Wolff of Backcountry MedicalCourse follows SOLO Schools Curriculum Training is 9:00-4:30 at CFPA HQ.Please arrive by 8:45am.Both days of the course you attend are RequirePlease come prepared to be outside for the full duration of the course.Directions to parking are here: Google Directions Link

Initiative: Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails

2025 Course Dates (2 Separate Course)

Must Register and Pay At Course Links BelowMay 16 & 17 (Link to Spring Course)October 10 & 11 (Link to Fall Course)

(DO NOT RESPOND to this opportunity it does not register you for one of the above courses)

CFPA Sawyers Email Alex Bradley for link to sign up abradley@ctwoodlands.org

Course InformationCost of Course is $215.00 Instructor: James Wolff of Backcountry MedicalCourse follows SOLO Schools Curriculum Training is 9:00-4:30 at CFPA HQ.Please arrive by 8:45am.Both days of the course you attend are RequirePlease come prepared to be outside for the full duration of the course.Directions to parking are here: Google Directions Link

Initiative: Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Flexible

Zip Code: 06481

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Fundraising Volunteer

We are looking for a Volunteer for CFPA’s Fundraising Team!

Do you enjoy the outdoors and want to make a meaningful impact? CFPA is looking for volunteers with an interest or experience in fundraising, event support, or communications.

Why Volunteer with Us:

Flexible: We’ll work with your schedule. Meaningful work: Support trails, education, and conservation efforts statewide. Engaging experiences: Assist with donor events, hikes, and gatherings across Connecticut. Real impact: Your time will help sustain CFPA’s programs.

What You’ll Help With

Support logistics, registration materials, and guest lists for donor events Writing thank-you notes, making appreciation calls, and engaging supporters Assisting with annual mailings and fundraising campaigns Researching prospective partners aligned with CFPA’s mission

Who We’re Looking For

Individuals who care about Connecticut’s parks and trails Clear communicators who enjoy working with people Organized, dependable volunteers comfortable managing multiple tasks Familiarity with Google Workspace or Microsoft Office Team players willing to help with evening or outdoor events

New to This Work?

No problem. If you’re still building experience, let us know in the “Notes” section when you sign up. We value what you bring and are happy to provide guidance and training.

 

Initiative: Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails

We are looking for a Volunteer for CFPA’s Fundraising Team!

Do you enjoy the outdoors and want to make a meaningful impact? CFPA is looking for volunteers with an interest or experience in fundraising, event support, or communications.

Why Volunteer with Us:

Flexible: We’ll work with your schedule. Meaningful work: Support trails, education, and conservation efforts statewide. Engaging experiences: Assist with donor events, hikes, and gatherings across Connecticut. Real impact: Your time will help sustain CFPA’s programs.

What You’ll Help With

Support logistics, registration materials, and guest lists for donor events Writing thank-you notes, making appreciation calls, and engaging supporters Assisting with annual mailings and fundraising campaigns Researching prospective partners aligned with CFPA’s mission

Who We’re Looking For

Individuals who care about Connecticut’s parks and trails Clear communicators who enjoy working with people Organized, dependable volunteers comfortable managing multiple tasks Familiarity with Google Workspace or Microsoft Office Team players willing to help with evening or outdoor events

New to This Work?

No problem. If you’re still building experience, let us know in the “Notes” section when you sign up. We value what you bring and are happy to provide guidance and training.

 

Initiative: Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Flexible

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Trails Volunteer

  Join us for workparties and events on the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails! Attend public workparties Assist with trail maintenance Work as part of a team Learn new skills and how to use trail tools Easy way to learn more about CFPA, trails and the work we do Time Commitment:  Ongoing as desired;    Desired Skills or Experience:  Reasonable level of physical fitness Ability to follow CFPA safety practices and safe tool usage Willingness to work cooperatively with other volunteers Benefits:  The opportunity to meet like-minded people while giving back to an organization you support Invitations to free or discounted trainings Inclusion in volunteer recognition such as volunteer spotlight pieces Invitation to Annual Volunteer Dinner

Initiative: Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails

  Join us for workparties and events on the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails! Attend public workparties Assist with trail maintenance Work as part of a team Learn new skills and how to use trail tools Easy way to learn more about CFPA, trails and the work we do Time Commitment:  Ongoing as desired;    Desired Skills or Experience:  Reasonable level of physical fitness Ability to follow CFPA safety practices and safe tool usage Willingness to work cooperatively with other volunteers Benefits:  The opportunity to meet like-minded people while giving back to an organization you support Invitations to free or discounted trainings Inclusion in volunteer recognition such as volunteer spotlight pieces Invitation to Annual Volunteer Dinner

Initiative: Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Flexible

Zip Code: 06481

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Open Trail Manager Positions

We're excited to bring on some new volunteer Trail Managers to help with maintenance of the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System.

By clicking the blue "Respond" button (upper right corner), you are expressing your interest in one of the open Trail Manager positions. We cannot promise that you will be appointed as a Trail Manager. Our Trail Manager Review Team will follow-up with you. Please closely review the information below. When responding to this opportunity, please note the trail/ trail section you are interested in in your "Response Notes".

Open Trail Manager Positions (as of July 2025):

Metacomet/ NET Trail (Meriden) Highlawn Trail (Rockfall) (co-manager position)Hibbard Trail (Lebanon) Pachaug Trail (Voluntown)Nehantic Trail (Voluntown) Shenipsit (Glastonbury)

Trail Managers are appointed by CFPA’s Trails Committee at its quarterly business meetings on the recommendation of the Trail Manager Review Team.  In order to be considered as a candidate for a Trail Manager position, the individual must be willing to:

Perform a basic level of trail maintenance on the appointed trail section. Review the trail section with a CFPA Trail Manager, Trails Committee member or CFPA staff person prior to appointment. Demonstrate prior experience in trail maintenance as a Trails volunteer and have attended CFPA workparties & trainings. Be willing to hike long distances and work with hand tools. Attend a new Trail Manager Training prior to appointment. Agree to assume the responsibilities outlined below and follow all CFPA trail standards & policies.  Commit to the position for at least 1 year.

Please note- Trail Managers regularly volunteer over 30 hours a year working on their trail section. A typical trail section can be between 3-6 miles. The time commitment for this position can be demanding.

Overview of Trail Manager Responsibilities:

Inspect trail section seasonally and after significant storms. Keep trail properly blazed and signed. Clear all vegetation that obstructs the trail and remove downed limbs/ trees. Pick up litter. Monitor the condition of all trail structures. Report illegal unauthorized trail use. Use all trail tools safely, maintain in good condition and wear all required safety equipment. Generally monitor & correct drainage problems. Identify major trail maintenance projects for a CFPA work party or trail crew. Monitor changes in area land use that might have an impact on the trail. Act as a CFPA ambassador while interacting with the public on the trail. Sign an annual Assumption of Risk & Waiver of Claims Agreement. Submit an Annual Trail Report. Report your volunteer time on, at least, an annual basis.

Initiative: Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails

We're excited to bring on some new volunteer Trail Managers to help with maintenance of the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System.

By clicking the blue "Respond" button (upper right corner), you are expressing your interest in one of the open Trail Manager positions. We cannot promise that you will be appointed as a Trail Manager. Our Trail Manager Review Team will follow-up with you. Please closely review the information below. When responding to this opportunity, please note the trail/ trail section you are interested in in your "Response Notes".

Open Trail Manager Positions (as of July 2025):

Metacomet/ NET Trail (Meriden) Highlawn Trail (Rockfall) (co-manager position)Hibbard Trail (Lebanon) Pachaug Trail (Voluntown)Nehantic Trail (Voluntown) Shenipsit (Glastonbury)

Trail Managers are appointed by CFPA’s Trails Committee at its quarterly business meetings on the recommendation of the Trail Manager Review Team.  In order to be considered as a candidate for a Trail Manager position, the individual must be willing to:

Perform a basic level of trail maintenance on the appointed trail section. Review the trail section with a CFPA Trail Manager, Trails Committee member or CFPA staff person prior to appointment. Demonstrate prior experience in trail maintenance as a Trails volunteer and have attended CFPA workparties & trainings. Be willing to hike long distances and work with hand tools. Attend a new Trail Manager Training prior to appointment. Agree to assume the responsibilities outlined below and follow all CFPA trail standards & policies.  Commit to the position for at least 1 year.

Please note- Trail Managers regularly volunteer over 30 hours a year working on their trail section. A typical trail section can be between 3-6 miles. The time commitment for this position can be demanding.

Overview of Trail Manager Responsibilities:

Inspect trail section seasonally and after significant storms. Keep trail properly blazed and signed. Clear all vegetation that obstructs the trail and remove downed limbs/ trees. Pick up litter. Monitor the condition of all trail structures. Report illegal unauthorized trail use. Use all trail tools safely, maintain in good condition and wear all required safety equipment. Generally monitor & correct drainage problems. Identify major trail maintenance projects for a CFPA work party or trail crew. Monitor changes in area land use that might have an impact on the trail. Act as a CFPA ambassador while interacting with the public on the trail. Sign an annual Assumption of Risk & Waiver of Claims Agreement. Submit an Annual Trail Report. Report your volunteer time on, at least, an annual basis.

Initiative: Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Flexible

Zip Code: 06481

Allow Groups: No