About the Conservation Dogs Program - New York-New Jersey Trail Conference

Who We Are

Launched in 2018, the Trail Conference’s Conservation Dogs Program is a pioneering initiative that brings detection dog science to the forefront of environmental stewardship and preservation. By pairing expert handlers with specially trained dogs, we deliver efficient and ethical detection services to monitor, protect, and restore our region’s most vulnerable habitats.

As proud members of the Conservation Dog Alliance, we’re committed to conservation, the welfare of our working dogs, and the advancement of ethical, evidence-driven methods in the field.

Our Mission

A trained dog of the Conservation Dogs Program works in the field

Our mission is to help non-profit, community-based, and state agency partners solve emerging and systemic conservation problems at a regional landscape scale. By leveraging the power the conservation detection dog methodology, we aim to protect the ecological integrity of our native habitats through invasive species detection, native species monitoring, community engagement, and education.

Our Goals

A handler with the Conservation Dogs Program works in the field

Monitor native species populations and ecological health to inform data-driven conservation.
Support research that explores canine olfactory capabilities for conservation purposes.
Detect and manage invasive species before they can cause widespread damage.
Promote stewardship through hands-on education, public outreach, workshops, and demonstrations.

Why Conservation Dogs?

When it comes to locating elusive species or aiding in the early detection of invasive species, our dogs outperform human visual surveys in both accuracy and efficiency. With a sense of smell up to 100,000 times more powerful than a human sense of smell, conservation dogs integrate seamlessly with other monitoring technologies to create highly effective survey systems.

Their unique combination of portability, hardiness, and agility allows them to navigate diverse terrains, from dense undergrowth to rocky outcroppings, with minimal environmental impact. The deep handler-canine bond enables rapid adaptation to project-specific requirements, whether focusing on a single target species or flexibly switching between multiple detection objectives based on seasonal needs.

How We Work

Each conservation dog in our program lives full time with his handler. In addition to enrichment and social time, the dogs are properly prepared for their jobs through top notch veterinary care, fitness regimens, field obedience training and detection training. Their training is positive reinforcement based, rigorous, and always rooted in ethical handling practices.

Training with Purpose

Our dogs are trained using proven scent detection protocols adapted from disciplines like search-and-rescue and forensics. We customize each dog’s training regimen to match the species, environment, and conservation goals of upcoming field projects.

Field Work in Action

From wetlands and grasslands to rugged forest ridgelines, our canine teams operate across diverse and challenging terrain. Working off-leash when appropriate, the dogs search independently while staying in communication with their handler, maximizing coverage and accuracy with minimal ecological disruption.

Research & Collaboration

We partner with land managers, scientists, and conservation organizations to co-design projects that produce actionable results. Whether it’s early detection of invasive threats or long-term species monitoring, our work is integrated into broader conservation strategies and research initiatives.

Members of the Invasives Strike Force team, Stewardship team, and the Conservation Dogs Program work in the field

Let’s Work Together!

Are you a land manager looking to collaborate? A scientist with a challenging detection need? Or someone dreaming of working with dogs to protect the environment? We’d love to hear from you!

From unique partnerships to internships and exciting volunteer opportunities, we’re always seeking to collaborate with passionate individuals. Contact us today!

Contact the CDP Team

Meet the Team

Get to Know Our Handlers

Behind every conservation dog is a skilled, passionate handler committed to science, stewardship, and the human-canine bond that makes this work possible.

Sarah Jackson

Conservation Dogs
Program Associate

Arden Blumenthal

Conservation Dogs
Program Coordinator

Meet the Dogs

Smart, focused, and bounding with enthusiasm, our canine team members bring unmatched energy and accuracy to every field assignment. Each one has their personality, specialty, and story.