Plan Your Visit

1. Reservations – You should reserve your time at the Preserve as soon as possible. Spring is an especially busy season, so feel free to contact us early in your planning process to assure availability. Your field trip is not reserved until you have submitted the Reservation Form and received a confirmation email from the Preserve.
2. Fee is $4 per student; minimum group size is 12.
3. Group Size – To enhance the learning experience, groups are limited to no more than 50 students at one time.  Groups larger than this should schedule morning & afternoon sessions and/or schedule visits over multiple days.
4. Length of Visit – For a single program, you should plan on a 1½ to 3 hour visit. If you desire a longer program, please indicate this when you make your reservation.
5. Parking – The Preserve has very limited parking space. Groups not using buses should arrange to carpool to  minimize impact on Preserve roads & habitat.
6. Recommended clothing: Outerwear suitable for weather; closed shoes (no sandals or flip flops); long pants are best.
7. Restrooms: While the Preserve does have a restroom at the Learning Shed, large groups should encourage members to use restroom facilities before coming to the Preserve to avoid long lines & lengthy waits, which take time away from the educational experience.
8. Water: If your group plans to hike the longer trail please plan to bring water bottles (preferably reusable ones!)
9. Inclement weather: Unless Preserve staff contacts you, all appointments for field trips are kept regardless of weather conditions. Please remember that weather conditions at the Preserve may not be the same as at your group’s origination point. If you have any questions the week before you visit, please contact the Education Coordinator.
10. Snack/lunch: If your reserved time falls during lunch, you are welcome to picnic at the Preserve. Please notify staff in advance if you plan to do so.
11. Payment is expected no later than the day of your trip; you may pay as soon as you arrive the day of your trip. Parents/chaperones should make payment to the school before the trip; schools should include fees collected from parents in payment.
12. Staff Contact: Lori Jewell is the Preserve Education Coordinator. If you have any questions about logistics or educational goals for your trip, please contact her at 678-446-5611 or education@pettitpreserve.org.