Sunny Valley Preserve

04/07/2026

We’re hiring!

Land Steward, internal & external recruitment (Job ID: JR102390):

The Land Steward implements and advances land management and preserve access initiatives across Connecticut, ensuring TNC lands contribute meaningfully to our ambitious goals for nature and people. This position directly implements land stewardship on the ground, including maintaining preserve areas and infrastructure used by the visiting public, conducting monitoring of and reporting on our various fee and easements within central and eastern Connecticut, supporting ongoing accessibility programs, and communicating with our landowners and partners to uphold conservation restrictions. Other duties include operating heavy machinery and maintaining a variety of tools and equipment. Projects may involve working in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. Transportation will be provided.

Where to apply?
External posting link here: https://nature.wd108.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/ExternalCareers/job/New-Haven-Connecticut/Land-Steward_JR102390?shared_id=7f9a29f4-db28-41fb-bccd-7f826bf65e9c

04/01/2026

We’re hiring!
Sunny Valley Preserve Director, (Job ID: JR102484):

The Sunny Valley Preserve Director is based at Sunny Valley Preserve in Bridgewater and New Milford, CT and oversees stewardship of an 1,850-acre portfolio of natural and working agricultural lands. The role leads land management, agricultural operations, infrastructure maintenance, and public access with the goals of ecological resilience, regenerative practices, and meaningful visitor engagement. The Director oversees a wide range of land and property management activities, including a large inventory of buildings, trails, and agricultural facilities; manages legal, safety, and reputational risk; and responds to complex or high risk situations as they arise. The role builds and maintains productive relationships with partners, neighbors, agencies, and community members, and communicates regularly with varied audiences about preserve management and priorities. The position reports to the Director of Land Management and collaborates closely to define strategies for the Preserve. This position requires residence in close proximity to Sunny Valley Preserve to manage emergencies. TNC housing is available on site.

Where to apply?
External posting link here: https://nature.wd108.myworkdayjobs.com/ExternalCareers/job/New-Milford-Connecticut/Sunny-Valley-Preserve-Director_JR102484

11/18/2025

Black bear photo courtesy of Erika Olsen.

Black Bears Still Packing on the Pounds through November
Do not let the recent frosts and chilly mornings fool you. Black bears are still active and are continuing to stock up for the coming winter. It is important to be BearWise® year-round and not allow bears access to food items, such as garbage and birdseed.
When can I put out bird feeders? DEEP does not recommend putting out bird feeders at any time of year. However, bird feeders are less susceptible to being raided by bears during the winter months from December through late-March when bears are in their dens. Although most bears enter dens at some point, some can remain active for portions of or the entire winter season, if food is available. It is important to remove bird feeders at the first sign of bear activity.
Native landscaping, a better alternative to feeders. For those who enjoy watching birds, establish native plants in your yard and add water features to attract birds. These methods may increase bird diversity and prevent unnatural feeding of a variety of wildlife species. Learn how you can bring wildlife to your yard with native landscaping. Wildlife Website: https://portal.ct.gov/DEEPWildlife

More on Living with Black Bears . . .https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/rMStCW6K1nc5wB3WzsLFlCoDQLZ?domain=departmentofenergyandenvironmentalprotection.cmail20.com

11/17/2025

TO RAKE OR NOT TO RAKE???

7 Reasons to Leave the Leaves
Boost soil health, wildlife and sustainability in your yard this fall.

October 27, 2025 | 3-minute read time

Fall in Connecticut brings crisp air, brilliant foliage—and a yard full of leaves. But before you grab your rake, consider this: those leaves aren’t just debris. They’re habitat, mulch and a nutrient-rich gift from nature. So, what’s the best move for your yard and the environment?

Here are 7 reasons to leave the leaves, skip raking this fall and help wildlife thrive:

1. 🍁 Leaves Are Nature’s Fertilizer — Leave the leaf litter to improve soil health naturally.
Trees pull nutrients from the soil all year—and return them to the ground through fallen leaves. Mulching or mowing leaves into your lawn helps recycle those nutrients, improving soil health and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers
2. 🐛 Leaf Litter Is Wildlife Habitat — Leave the leaves and support biodiversity in your yard.
Many insects—including luna moths, fireflies and queen bees—hibernate in leaf litter. Birds like northern cardinals forage in it for food and shelter. Removing leaves too early can disrupt these vital life cycles.
3. 🧤 Timing Matters for Spring Cleanup — When to rake for eco-friendly yard care.
If you leave leaves over winter, wait until daytime temps consistently reach the 50s and nighttime lows stay above freezing before raking. This gives overwintering insects time to emerge safely.

Leave the Leaves A bright red maple leaf stands out among older fallen leaves that have lost their color. © Tebben Gill Lopez/TNC


4. 🗑️ Landfilling Leaves Is a Waste — Reduce methane and yard waste.
Bagging leaves for landfill disposal contributes to methane emissions and wastes a valuable resource. Even municipal green waste collection, while better, still requires energy and transport.
5. 🌿 Composting Leaves Is a Win-Win — Turn fall leaves into garden gold!
Leaves are a great addition to backyard compost piles. Mix them with kitchen scraps and other yard waste to create rich, dark compost that feeds your garden and reduces household waste.
6. 🏡 Mulch for Garden Beds — Benefits of leaf litter for plants.
Shredded leaves make excellent mulch for flower beds and vegetable gardens. They suppress weeds, retain moisture, and break down slowly to enrich the soil.
7. 🧘 Aesthetic vs. Ecological Balance — Leave the leaves for a tidy yet wildlife-friendly yard.
If you prefer a tidy yard, consider raking leaves into garden beds or creating a leaf pile in a corner of your yard. You’ll maintain curb appeal while still supporting local wildlife.
So—rake or not to rake? The answer depends on your goals. But with a little planning, you can turn this seasonal chore into an act of environmental stewardship. 🍂🌎

08/19/2025

We’re hiring two positions, Urban Forest Network Manager & Urban Conservation Project Manager.

Urban Forest Network Manager, internal recruitment (Job ID: JR100682):

As a core member of the Connecticut Chapter’s Urban Conservation team, the Urban Forestry Network Manager will support the development of the Connecticut Urban Forest Network, a statewide initiative that seeks to build capacity within and among communities to address inequities in canopy cover across Connecticut. They will develop and advance partnerships with a range of partners – including neighborhood, municipal, state, and federal government entities, non-profit organizations, foundations, academia, and faith-based groups.
The Network Manager will guide and implement this comprehensive urban forestry project, including:
• Facilitate a stakeholder assessment using social science methods to map and better understand the strengths, gaps, opportunities and landscape of existing and potential Network members from across Connecticut.
• Manage and advance partnerships with diverse stakeholders - including neighborhood, municipal, state, and federal government entities, non-profit organizations, foundations, academia, and faith-based groups.
• Develop, and engage in, informational, educational, and storytelling initiatives designed to communicate various urban forestry activities to diverse audiences. This includes creating communications materials, technical articles, delivering lectures, developing presentations, and giving tours.
• Provide grant administration support (tracking outcomes, reporting, compliance, etc.), research, and other general assistance to Urban Conservation program staff working toward the achievement of Chapter goals.
This position is based in New Haven, with frequent travel across Connecticut. It is grant funded through 2028 and may work in variable weather conditions on difficult terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

Urban Conservation Project Manager, internal and external recruitment (Job ID: JR100598):

The Urban Conservation Project Manager provides technical and operational support to the Connecticut Chapter’s Urban Conservation Program, with a focus on planting trees where they are most needed. This role will develop, manage, and implement urban forestry projects to advance the Program’s strategies and initiatives including analysis, development, and implementation of local and multi-scale tree planting projects in collaboration with a diverse set of partners. Their work will result in the implementation of tangible place-based tree-planting projects, policies, and practices that incorporate ecological and social co-benefits to improve local and regional water quality, air quality, and quality of life for the benefit of both people and nature in a changing climate.

The Urban Conservation Program builds on the Conservancy’s science-based, collaborative, results-oriented approach, and its record of contributing creative and effective solutions, such as tree planting, to conservation challenges in cities. We work to improve the quality of life for residents and communities using equitable nature-based solutions (i.e., tree planting) to reduce storm water runoff, reduce urban heat island effect and flooding, improve air quality, and increase access to nature for all residents in cities. Our program operates with an equity-minded approach and a desire for continued learning about socio-historical context of historic underrepresentation, questions assumptions, and makes evidence-based decisions a regular practice. This position will be a key addition to a highly effective and motivated cross-functional team helping to address urban challenges across local, state, national, and international scales. This position will report to the Connecticut Urban Conservation Director. This is a hybrid position based out of our New Haven, CT office. This is a termed grant-funded position with funding secured through 2028.

Where to apply?
Internal candidates: through workday; Applying for an internal job posting
External candidates: job openings at The Nature Conservancy

07/19/2025

that TNC in CT Land Stewards are in charge of monitoring over 100 preserves and easements? But what does monitoring involve?

Monitoring preserves and easements requires visiting our properties, walking on and off the beaten path, assessing the health of vegetation and the condition of the trails, recording changes, talking to neighbors, and noting work that may need to be done.


📸: Sampling and monitoring in Connecticut. © Francine Monahan/TNC

06/02/2025

https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/united-states/connecticut/all-terrain-track-chair/

The Nature Conservancy offers a new visitor experience at the Burnham Brook Preserve in Connecticut.

05/12/2025

We are looking for a new Finance Manager - Interested parties should apply at nature.org/careers

WHO WE ARE
The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life . Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER
The Finance Manager is a key member of the operations team and reports to the Deputy Director, Finance and Operations. They provide accounting, financial and operational support to help advance the conservation programs of the Connecticut Business Unit (CTBU). Responsibilities range from budgeting and reporting assistance to office administration and coordination. They are service-oriented, have strong organizational and systems skills, and possesses the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. A positive attitude is essential.

The role and responsibilities are as follows:

Provide specialized services in financial management and reporting; accounting; private award administration, management and reporting; for CTBU.
Administer and maintain finance/accounting activities in accordance with TNC policies and procedures and best practices in financial management.
Assist the Deputy Director, Finance and Operations in developing annual budget and quarterly forecast, performing accounting activities for year-end closing, monitoring and maintaining all financial information, producing month-end reports and analyses, and preparing journal entries.
Monitor monthly accounting reports and key asset and liability account balances, monitor endowment and loan balances and provide recommendations related to finances in the overall organizational planning, policy development and implementation.
Provide orientation and training in budgeting, accounting policies and procedures, grants administration, and financial analysis. Act as a resource to staff on financial issues.
Communicate monthly via ad-hoc reports and analysis to program leaders and serve as a liaison between CTBU and TNC’s Worldwide Office to ensure accurate processing of income, expenses and transfers.
Take specialized training to become CTBU’s Certified Contract Specialist who is knowledgeable in TNC agreement process and assist staff in drafting, processing and managing contracts for CTBU.
Provide back-up administrative assistance for the CTBU and responsible for various operational activities.
This is a hybrid position based out of the New Haven, Connecticut office.


WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU
As a key Operations team member for the Connecticut Business Unit of The Nature Conservancy, the Finance Manager plays a lead role in providing finance, accounting, and administrative services in support of conservation outcomes. The ideal candidate should have exceptional communication and collaboration skills and experience in management of controls and reports of a business unit. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing mission of conservation by directing and shaping the work of our team!

WHAT YOU'LL BRING
Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or related field and 3 years' related experience or equivalent combination.
Experience with accounting/financial issues and analysis.
Experience using accounting and financial reporting systems.
Technical experience with spreadsheet programs, general ledger reports and financial management tools.
Experience with GAAP and fund accounting principles, practices and regulations.
Experience, coursework or other training with U.S. Federal Uniform Guidance, state and local regulations, multilateral and international regulations, and standard contract clauses, as applicable.
WHAT WE BRING
Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

AUTO SAFETY POLICY
This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.

Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

SALARY INFORMATION
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $78,000- 85,000 for annual base salary. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

APPLY NOW
To apply for job ID 56628, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact [email protected].

Our recruiting process is a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.

Thank you for taking the first step toward joining our team of committed people who are working to make a difference!

04/12/2025

Join us as we impact conservation in all 50 states and in more than 70 countries and territories around the globe!

04/12/2025

Enjoying working outside for the summer!

04/01/2025

We're hiring!
Check out - nature.org/careers
1. Sunny Valley Seasonal Land Steward. Job ID 6497
2. Lead Seasonal Land Steward Job ID 56470
3. Executive Assistant & Trustee Liaison Job ID 56450

All three positions are in Connecticut. For more information check out nature.org/careers.

All applications must be uploaded online in order to be considered.

Join us as we impact conservation in all 50 states and in more than 70 countries and territories around the globe!