The Connecticut Forest And Park Association Incorporated

What The Connecticut Forest And Park Association Incorporated does

The Connecticut Forest and Park Association Incorporated (CFPA) is a 501c3 nonprofit conservation organization founded in 1895 and headquartered at 16 Meriden Road, Rockfall (Middlefield), Connecticut. As the first private nonprofit conservation organization established in Connecticut, CFPA creates, maintains, and stewards the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System, an 825+ mile network of public hiking footpaths spanning 96 towns, and operates a Protected Properties Program protecting more than 2,000 acres of forestland through direct ownership and conservation easements across 21 stewardship towns. Its operational portfolio includes the Goodwin Forest Conservation Education Center (operated through a public/private partnership with CT DEEP), the Connecticut Woodlands Conservation Corps (an AmeriCorps program launching in 2025), Project Learning Tree Connecticut, Master Naturalist and Master Woodland Manager adult education, and State Capitol advocacy on conservation and outdoor recreation policy. CFPA serves individual hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, private landowners hosting trail sections, K-12 educators and students, corporate sponsors, and state/federal government partners, with Connecticut as its sole operating geography.

CFPA's core products and programs include the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System, an ArcGIS-powered interactive trails map with real-time trail notices and Google Maps transit directions, the Connecticut Walk Book (comprehensive hiking guide since 1929), the quarterly CT Woodlands Magazine (since 1936), the bi-annual Rock, Root & Trail newsletter, the Blue-Blazed Hiking Challenge (50/200/400/800-mile milestones), the Trail Problem Reporting System, the volunteer portal, and the Connecticut Walk Book in print and e-book formats. The technology stack is built on a web-based ArcGIS mapping platform integrated with Google Maps, a Galaxy Digital volunteer management system, and DonorPerfect for donations and membership management. No proprietary AI/ML components, third-party model dependencies, or developer APIs are disclosed.

CFPA's revenue model is diversified across individual giving and membership dues (annual starting at $35/year or $5/month Woodland Hero recurring), major donor recognition through the Winslow Society ($1,000+ Bronze, $5,000+ Silver, $10,000+ Gold), event and program sponsorships (CT Trails Day starting at $2,500; magazine, annual meeting, and Winslow gatherings), publication sales (CT Walk Book; magazine advertising), workplace giving through EarthShare New England, the Combined Federal Campaign (#32067), and the Connecticut State Employees Campaign (#8679), plus state/federal grants. The organization holds a Charity Navigator three-star rating and serves as fiscal sponsor for Friends of Goodwin Forest and Friends of Auerfarm Scenic Reserve. Revenue is not publicly disclosed; based on a 1-10 employee footprint and scope, current annual revenue is estimated in the low single-digit millions with low confidence.

Name

The Connecticut Forest And Park Association Incorporated

Legal name

Connecticut Forest and Park Association

Website

https://ctwoodlands.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1895

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Connecticut Forest and Park Association is a 501c3 nonprofit founded in 1895 that maintains the 825-mile Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System across 96 Connecticut towns and protects 2,000+ acres through membership, donations, grants, and sponsorships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Rockfall

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership donations starting at $35/year, with monthly 'Woodland Hero' option at $5/month. Members receive CT Woodlands Magazine (quarterly), Rock Root & Trail newsletter, event invitations, and voting rights.
2. Donations and Contributions: One-time and recurring donations from individuals, including honorary/memorial gifts, sponsorships, and major gifts. The Winslow Society recognizes donors at $1,000+, $5,000+, and $10,000+ levels.
3. Publications Sales: Sale of Connecticut Walk Book (comprehensive hiking guide to Blue-Blazed Trails) in print and e-book formats. CT Woodlands Magazine provided to members; advertising space sold in magazine.
4. Event Sponsorships: Corporate and organizational sponsorships for CT Trails Day (starting at $2,500), Connecticut Woodlands Magazine advertising, CFPA Annual Meeting, Volunteer Dinner, and Winslow Society Gatherings.
5. Workplace Giving: Participates in EarthShare New England, Combined Federal Campaign (CFC code #32067), and Connecticut State Employees Campaign (CSEC code #8679).
6. Blue-Blazed Hiking Challenge: Challenge program where hikers earn prizes (patches, water bottles, fleece beanies, fleece vests) at milestone distances (50, 200, 400, 800 miles).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

CFPA is Connecticut's first private nonprofit conservation organization, operating since 1895. It maintains the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System—an 825+ mile public trail network across 96 Connecticut towns—and protects over 2,000 acres of land through ownership and conservation easements. The organization delivers environmental education, conservation advocacy, volunteer stewardship, and member-supported publications to connect people to Connecticut's forests, parks, and trails.

Product overview

The Connecticut Forest & Park Association (CFPA) operates as a nonprofit conservation organization offering a portfolio of interconnected programs and services centered on forest conservation, trail stewardship, and environmental education in Connecticut. The core offering is the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System—an 825-mile network of public hiking trails established in 1929—supported by digital tools including an Interactive Trails Map for trail planning and a Trail Problem Reporting System. CFPA's conservation work is supported by a Protected Properties Program managing over 2,000 acres of conserved land. Educational offerings include the Goodwin Forest Conservation Center, Project Learning Tree curriculum, and Master Naturalist/Master Woodland Manager adult education programs. CFPA engages the public through membership, volunteer programs (including the Connecticut Woodlands Conservation Corps AmeriCorps program), and publications including CT Woodlands Magazine (quarterly) and Rock Root & Trail newsletter. Annual events include Connecticut Trails Day with 200+ events across the state. The Blue-Blazed Hiking Challenge program incentivizes trail exploration through mileage-based milestones with prize rewards.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Connecticut Woodlands Conservation Corps (CWCC): A paid summer and fall trail work program, initially started as CFPA Summer Trail Crew in 2017. An AmeriCorps Conservation Corps program performing trail maintenance, repair, and construction on the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System.

Products and services

• Interactive Trails Map A web-based ArcGIS-powered mapping application allowing users to explore Connecticut's Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System, plan hikes, view trailhead parking, get driving and public transit directions via Google Maps, and access real-time trail notices and closures. Free public access for individual hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
• Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System An 825+ mile network of public hiking footpaths across Connecticut established in 1929, maintained by dedicated volunteer maintainers, spanning 96 towns. Includes the New England Trail (National Scenic Trail) and various named trails. Legally recognized as state hiking trails under Connecticut Statutes (Section 23-10a).
• Blue-Blazed Hiking Challenge A mileage-based hiking challenge program where participants accumulate miles on designated trails to earn prizes (patches, water bottles, fleece beanies, fleece vests) at 50, 200, 400, and 800-mile milestones, with no time limit for completion.
• Protected Properties Program CFPA's statewide land trust initiative protecting over 2,000 acres of land through direct ownership and conservation easements, focusing on working forests and trail corridor properties across Connecticut with stewardship responsibilities spanning 21 towns.
• Connecticut Woodlands Conservation Corps (CWCC) A paid AmeriCorps conservation corps program where crews of 5-6 members perform trail maintenance, repair, and construction projects on the Blue-Blazed Trail System, operating in summer and fall seasons. Provides experiential work and life development opportunities for young adults.
• CT Woodlands Magazine A quarterly print magazine published since 1936, containing conservation stories from diverse authors covering conservation, trails, wildlife, and environmental topics. Available as a membership benefit to CFPA supporters; advertising space sold to sponsors.
• Rock, Root & Trail Newsletter A periodic newsletter keeping supporters updated on CFPA's conservation work, trail protection efforts, and organizational activities.
• Connecticut Walk Book A comprehensive trail guide to Connecticut's Blue-Blazed Trails available in print and e-book formats for purchase. The publication has been issued since 1929 and serves as the definitive hiking guide for the trail system.
• Goodwin Forest Conservation Center A 2,000-acre conservation education field site in eastern Connecticut, operated through a public/private partnership with CT DEEP, featuring trails, wildlife gardens, and educational programs including Project Learning Tree delivery.
• Connecticut Trails Day An annual two-day celebration of trails held the first weekend of June, featuring over 200 free guided outdoor events across Connecticut. CFPA has coordinated this event since 1993, making it the most successful National Trails Day celebration in the nation in 2022 (200 events in 120 towns).
• Project Learning Tree An award-winning environmental education program co-coordinated by CFPA in Connecticut since the 1980s, providing curriculum and training for educators aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.
• Membership Program Annual membership program offering benefits including CT Woodlands Magazine (quarterly), Rock Root & Trail newsletter, event invitations, and voting rights. Annual membership starts at $35/year with monthly 'Woodland Hero' option at $5/month. Corporate & Organization Membership and Winslow Society recognition tiers (Bronze $1,000+, Silver $5,000+, Gold $10,000+) available.

Quantifiable outcome

• Created and maintains 825+ miles of Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails across 96 towns in Connecticut
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (CT DEEP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing public/private partnership for Goodwin Forest Conservation Education Center. CFPA contracts with CT DEEP to deliver forest-based environmental educational programs. CT DEEP manages James L. Goodwin State Forest.
• National Park ServicecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for the National Trails System. CFPA maintains the New England Trail (National Scenic Trail) in cooperation with NPS.
• Project Learning TreecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCFPA has been leader/co-leader of Project Learning Tree Connecticut since the 1980s, a national environmental education program of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative.
• Friends of Goodwin ForestminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCFPA serves as fiscal sponsor for this volunteer organization that supports Goodwin's trails, gardens, and educational programs.
• Friends of Auerfarm Scenic ReserveminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCFPA serves as fiscal sponsor for this scenic reserve organization.
• American Hiking SocietycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCFPA is the state affiliate for American Hiking Society. CFPA coordinates National Trails Day in Connecticut.
• Connecticut Land Conservation Council (CLCC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCFPA served as fiscal sponsor for CLCC from 2010 until its official 501c3 determination in October 2017. Maintains strong connection with all land trusts.
• Land Trust AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide partnership supporting land conservation efforts in Connecticut.
• Appalachian Mountain ClubminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCollaborative partner for outdoor recreation and trail advocacy.
• EarthShare of New EnglandminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCFPA participates in workplace giving campaigns through EarthShare New England, facilitating tax-deductible giving from public and private sector employers.
• UCONN Cooperative Extension SystemminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for education and outreach to landowners and communities on forestry issues.
• Yale School of the Environment: the Forest SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership for forest conservation education and research.
• National Wildlife FederationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational partner for wildlife conservation and environmental education.
• National Woodland Owners AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for woodland owner education and advocacy.
• AmeriCorps Conservation CorpscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStarting 2025, Connecticut Woodlands Conservation Corps operates as an AmeriCorps program, providing experiential work and life development opportunities for young adults.
• Partnership for the National Trails SystemminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational coalition supporting and coordinating national scenic and historic trails.
• Extreme Terrain Clean Trail InitiativeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsorship program supporting trail cleanup and maintenance efforts.
• The Rockfall FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal foundation supporting conservation and environmental education in Connecticut.
• Sustainable Forestry InitiativeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational program administering Project Learning Tree environmental education program.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• The Trustees of Reservations: Massachusetts-based nonprofit land trust and conservation organization operating 120+ properties with trail networks, similar in scale and mission to CFPA. Comparable as a New England state-level conservation nonprofit combining land ownership, public trail access, and member-supported programming.
• Appalachian Mountain Club: A regional nonprofit dedicated to conservation, trails, and outdoor recreation in the Northeast, with an extensive trail system and volunteer-based stewardship model. Highly comparable to CFPA in mission, member-driven engagement, and trail maintenance operations; CFPA lists AMC as a collaborative partner.
• Appalachian Trail Conservancy: National nonprofit that manages and protects the Appalachian Trail through volunteer-based stewardship and federal/state partnerships. Directly comparable to CFPA's Blue-Blazed/National Scenic Trail stewardship model, particularly given CFPA's role maintaining the New England Trail (a National Scenic Trail) in partnership with NPS.
• Rails-to-Trails Conservancy: National nonprofit focused on converting rail corridors into trails, with strong advocacy and trail stewardship programs. Comparable to CFPA as a trail-focused nonprofit combining direct stewardship, advocacy, federal partnerships, and member-supported funding.

Others

• Land Trust Alliance: National membership organization supporting land trusts through advocacy, standards, and training. CFPA is a partner of the Alliance. Relevant as an ecosystem/enabling organization that supports CFPA's land trust operations, rather than a direct competitor.

Broad incumbents

• National Audubon Society: National nonprofit focused on birds and habitat conservation with active state chapters including Connecticut. Comparable to CFPA as a nonprofit combining conservation, education, advocacy, and member-supported engagement around environmental protection.
• The Nature Conservancy (Connecticut Chapter): Global conservation nonprofit with an active Connecticut chapter protecting land via acquisition and easements. Comparable to CFPA's land trust operations and conservation easement program, though with vastly greater scale, budget, and global brand recognition.
• The Trust for Public Land: National nonprofit focused on land conservation, park creation, and conservation finance. Comparable to CFPA's land protection and advocacy mission, with substantially broader geographic scope and access to conservation funding mechanisms.

Regional players

• Vermont Land Trust: Statewide land trust in Vermont protecting farmland and forestland through easements and ownership. Comparable to CFPA's 2,000+ acre land trust operations and easement-based conservation model, though operating in a different New England state.
• Maine Audubon: Maine-based nonprofit combining conservation, education, and sanctuaries/trails for public recreation. Comparable to CFPA in mission and programming mix, though operating in a different state geography.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ctforestandparkassociation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Connecticut Forest And Park Association Incorporated