What to Expect & Preparation Tips
Conservation Ambassadors

Expect that Safety is First
o Appropriate attire
 When dressing for the day, please consider the program will be held both
indoors and outdoors, with much of the activity taking place in the outdoor
forested trails and woods of Highlawn Forest or Goodwin Forest, depending on
the program you attend. Wear clothes that are appropriate for exploring the
outdoors, including closed-toe shoes with socks for walking along trails and
through the woods, over tree roots and rocks and around wetland areas (pack
rubber boots for ponding if you have them).
 We strongly suggest wearing clothes that can get dirty as well. Long pants/shirt
sleeves are an effective way to prevent mosquito bites. Overshirt/extra clothes
may be packed in the backpack for outdoor explorations if desired.
o Bug spray
 If using, please apply bug spray prior to coming to CFPA.
 Read labels carefully; many sprays are not meant to be applied directly to skin
and/or their application creates the need for clothes to be washed.
o Sunscreen
 If using, please apply sunscreen prior to coming to CFPA.
 For tips, check out Environmental Working Group’s online annual sunscreen
guide, based on effectiveness and ingredient safety.
o Daily tick checks
 The CT Agricultural Experiment Station (Ag Station) recommends daily tick
checks as the most effective means to Lyme disease prevention
 Download and print the Tick Check Reminder sheet and hang it in the bathroom
at home as a daily reminder.
o Our coordinator is sensitive to fragrance, so please do not use or wear anything with a
perfume/cologne or other fragrance.
o Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day, especially if hot and humid
weather.
o For more about dealing with the risks in nature, please read “Naming the Risks in
Nature”, summer 2007 CT Woodlands article.

Expect Respect
o Let’s model the golden rule of treating others how one wants to be treated.

Expect to Have Fun!

Expect to Become a JCA and Share What You Know
o What is an Ambassador? It is someone who shares their knowledge and interest with
others. As a Conservation Ambassador, we’ll connect you to CT’s great outdoors and
help you use your creativity to embrace and empower others to understand more
about our natural and outdoor world.