Policies & Information
For your information:
We very rarely cancel a program due to weather. Rain, snow, etc. can often make for wonderful discoveries in our “outdoor classroom.” Please make sure your students come dressed prepared for changeable weather and the possibility of getting dirty/muddy. Layers of clothing is the best way to accomplish this, so they can take off or put back on jackets or sweatshirts, hats, etc as they become hot or cold. We also request that they wear long pants. Encourage them to wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes/boots. (No sandals are allowed.)…again, ones that can get dirty/muddy. If your group is doing a stream, lake or pond study unit, an extra pair of shoes for each student, for the bus ride home, may be a wise move. (This keeps most of the mud off the bus.)
Make sure students bring rain gear also. (raincoat, poncho or large garbage bag) The more prepared and comfortable they are, the better experience they will have. It is a good idea for you to bring extra garbage bags in case some do not come prepared for rain. These bags can easily be made into a makeshift raincoat. Also, it is a good idea to bring a few extra hats and gloves in cold weather for those that don’t bring them. Students may want to bring a backpack to carry extra layers, water bottle, etc. It is not necessary for everyone to have one but it might be helpful for some students to have one available.
Do encourage your students to bring water bottles.
If you are bringing more than 15 students, we will most likely start (and end) our program together, as a large group and then break down into smaller groups, each being led by one of our naturalists. It will be most helpful if you have the groups divided already and provide us with a list of the students in each group upon your arrival (that can be handed to each of our naturalists.)
NOTE: There is a limit to the number of parents who may attend...in efforts to control the total group size for your hiking groups. Smaller groups make for better programs. Be sure to check about this when registering your group.
No younger siblings are allowed to attend these programs.
