The state of Connecticut is one of the smallest states in the U.S., but has a high diversity of habitat types. Habitats in Connecticut range from marine habitats of Long Island Sound, to the mountain habitats of basalt ridges. There are bogs, old fields, hardwood forests, rivers, lakes and shrub swamps. This high diversity in such a small geographic area leads to high biodiversity. The state also boasts a high diversity of groups and programs that study biodiversity.
The state has several organizations which appeal to private individuals with special interests. These groups frequently conduct surveys or participate in survey events. Projects such as Christmas bird counts and BioBlitz are perhaps better known ways of involving the public in studies of biodiversity in the state. However, organizations like the Connecticut Botanical Society host regular field trips which involve collecting data on species diversity in an area. Similar field trip activities are sponsored by organizations interested in fungi or insects.
