Growing the next generation of forest and environmental leaders starts here.
Through undergraduate and graduate degree programs, hands-on technical training, and youth development opportunities, UConn provides pathways for learners of all ages to explore natural resources, forestry, and environmental science.
Explore the programs and resources below to discover your preferred learning pathway or access teaching materials.
Academic Programs for Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Urban Forestry and Arboriculture Associate Degree
Urban Forestry and Arboriculture majors in the Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture receive an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.
Natural Resources and the Environment (NRE) Undergraduate and Graduate Degrees
This undergraduate and graduate program offers four concentrations that allow students to deepen their educational experience in natural resources.
Adult and Community Education
Master Woodland Manager (MWM)
Are you a lifelong learner eager to practice sustainable land stewardship? Then the Master Woodland Manager Program, led by the Connecticut Forest & Park Association, is for you. This year-long educational journey equips woodland owners, land managers, and forest stewardship enthusiasts with the skills to care for Connecticut's natural landscapes.
EcoDrone
Through immersive labs and educational resources, EcoDrone provides hands-on access to drones and environmental tech. Learners of all ages can investigate local surroundings, explore real-world scientific questions, and discover ways to improve their communities with our tools.
Toolkits for Learners of All Ages
Urban and Community Forestry Toolkit
This toolkit supports civic participation in urban forestry through hands-on learning and community-based data collection. We encourage you to explore it if you are looking for activities that engage participants in scientific data collection within their own neighborhoods, schools, community centers, and other local spaces. It comes with hands-on activities, infographics, and short animated explainer videos! All materials, including the handbook, are available in English and Spanish.
Urban Forestry Field App
This app accompanies our Urban and Community Forestry Toolkit. Developed by the UConn Center for Land Use Education and Research (CLEAR), it serves as a one-stop platform for uploading field measurements collected through the toolkit and visualizing them on a crowdsourced map. Users can contribute local data and explore observations from communities across the region.
Resources for K-12 Teachers and Non-formal Environmental Educators
Forestry Lessons for Youth
Are you a K-12 teacher or a nonformal environmental educator working with youth? Our team has put together the "Branch Out!" collection to provide you with lesson ideas that introduce youth to forests, forest monitoring, and much more.
Drone Lessons for Youth
Harnessing drone and spatial technology, these place-based activities and lesson plans help young people explore, map, and reconnect with their local environments. In partnership with the University of Texas in El Paso, we designed these for educators and youth leaders to turn spatial technology into a bridge for environmental awareness and community stewardship.
Youth Development Programs
UConn Natural Resource Conservation Academy (NRCA)
At NRCA, youth learn a wide range of topics related to natural resources and the environment through immersive, field experiences. Interested? Contact nrca@uconn.edu.
UConn 4-H Forestry Club and Environmental Science Education
UConn 4-H offers numerous opportunities for youth, including the 4-H forestry club! Check our some of the activities youth can engage in through this 4-H Forestry Activities booklet. Interested? Contact: emily.picard@uconn.edu.
