Wildlife Tag
Field Trip FAQ
What is the cost for field trips?
The base rate for our Double Package Field Trips (4 hours) is $16/student and for our Single Package Field Trips (2.5 hours) is $12/student. There is an additional supply charge for fishing (+$1), track casting (+$1), owl pellet dissection ($2), and water quality assessment (+$1). Chappy's Deli lunches can be ordered through the ANC for $8 each for your entire group.
When is payment due for field trips?
Payment is due prior to or on the day of your field trip. Accepted forms of payment include school checks, credit cards, or cash. Credit card payments can also be made over the phone.
What is the cost for chaperones?
There is no admission charge for chaperones. Chaperone lunches are $8 and must be ordered through the school.
Is there a minimum/maximum number of chaperones allowed? What role should they play during a field trip?
We have no minimum or maximum number of chaperones. We encourage chaperones to be actively engaged in all field trip activities with their children, especially assisting with keeping students with their class and when other assistance is needed.
Can chaperones purchase lunch onsite?
No lunches, other than those ordered in advance by the school, are served onsite. We do sell drinks and snacks in the Bear Den Gift Shop.
Is there a charge for parking?
Parking is free for all types of vehicles. If the parking lot is full, overflow parking is in the pavilion field.
What if the weather is bad on the day I have a field trip scheduled?
Programs will take place rain or shine! Our NaturePlex facility at the Alabama Nature Center is designed to provide abundant educational activities in the event of inclement weather. In extreme cases, field trips will be rescheduled.
Will our field trip be guided?
You will have a Naturalist with you from the time you arrive until the time you depart to lead you through all the different activities you have chosen for your field trip, with the exception of lunch. Teachers are expected to supervise their students during lunchtime.
Do your Naturalists have CPR Training? Background checks?
All of our Naturalists are CPR Certified and they have all passed background checks.
What should I bring/wear?
Dress comfortably for outdoor activities, including comfortable walking shoes. If your group is signed up for a creek hike, all students and chaperones should bring a complete change of clothes and shoes that can be worn in the creek. (old tennis shoes, water shoes, crocs, rain boots, or sandals with a strap around the back…no flip flops!) YOU WILL GET WET ON THE CREEK HIKE!
Can you make accommodations for students with mobility issues?
Very often we are able to provide accommodations for students with mobility issues depending on the situation. It is imperative that we know ahead of time so that we can have a plan in place.
Can younger siblings attend a field trip?
Schools usually have a policy regarding bringing younger siblings on field trips. They often do not allow them since the programs were not designed to be age appropriate for infants/toddlers.
What is your cancellation policy?
You must call the Alabama Nature Center 30 days in advance if you choose to cancel or reschedule your reservation. A $100 cancellation fee applies for no shows and cancellations with less than 30 days notice.
Do you have a gift shop?
Yes. Items range in price from $0.20 - $20.00. There is something for everyone including stuffed animals, hiking sticks, t-shirts, toys, books, and much more! Snacks and drinks are $1.00 each.
Do you offer field trip scholarships?
We do offer field trip scholarships due to the generous support of our donors. The criteria for these scholarships differ depending on guidelines set by our donors, but are mostly offered to schools that have not visited the Alabama Nature Center before. Applications can be found at https://www.alabamawildlife.org/uploadedFiles/File/LFD_Scholarship_Application_Fillable.pdf
Do you have animal sponsorships?
Do you have a favorite animal ambassador here at the Alabama Nature Center? Become a Wild Friend of a Gopher Tortoise, Eastern Indigo Snake, Gray Rat Snake, Midland Water Snake, Spiny Softshell Turtle, Snapping Turtle or a Barking Tree Frog. Our educational animals need lots of tender-loving care and we would love for you or your class to sponsor one of them. Find more information here: https://www.alabamawildlife.org/wild-friend-supporter/
Can I take photos during the field trip?
We encourage you to take photos during your field trip and share them with us on social media. Make sure you have permission/photo releases before you share pictures of children other than your own. .
The base rate for our Double Package Field Trips (4 hours) is $16/student and for our Single Package Field Trips (2.5 hours) is $12/student. There is an additional supply charge for fishing (+$1), track casting (+$1), owl pellet dissection ($2), and water quality assessment (+$1). Chappy's Deli lunches can be ordered through the ANC for $8 each for your entire group.
When is payment due for field trips?
Payment is due prior to or on the day of your field trip. Accepted forms of payment include school checks, credit cards, or cash. Credit card payments can also be made over the phone.
What is the cost for chaperones?
There is no admission charge for chaperones. Chaperone lunches are $8 and must be ordered through the school.
Is there a minimum/maximum number of chaperones allowed? What role should they play during a field trip?
We have no minimum or maximum number of chaperones. We encourage chaperones to be actively engaged in all field trip activities with their children, especially assisting with keeping students with their class and when other assistance is needed.
Can chaperones purchase lunch onsite?
No lunches, other than those ordered in advance by the school, are served onsite. We do sell drinks and snacks in the Bear Den Gift Shop.
Is there a charge for parking?
Parking is free for all types of vehicles. If the parking lot is full, overflow parking is in the pavilion field.
What if the weather is bad on the day I have a field trip scheduled?
Programs will take place rain or shine! Our NaturePlex facility at the Alabama Nature Center is designed to provide abundant educational activities in the event of inclement weather. In extreme cases, field trips will be rescheduled.
Will our field trip be guided?
You will have a Naturalist with you from the time you arrive until the time you depart to lead you through all the different activities you have chosen for your field trip, with the exception of lunch. Teachers are expected to supervise their students during lunchtime.
Do your Naturalists have CPR Training? Background checks?
All of our Naturalists are CPR Certified and they have all passed background checks.
What should I bring/wear?
Dress comfortably for outdoor activities, including comfortable walking shoes. If your group is signed up for a creek hike, all students and chaperones should bring a complete change of clothes and shoes that can be worn in the creek. (old tennis shoes, water shoes, crocs, rain boots, or sandals with a strap around the back…no flip flops!) YOU WILL GET WET ON THE CREEK HIKE!
Can you make accommodations for students with mobility issues?
Very often we are able to provide accommodations for students with mobility issues depending on the situation. It is imperative that we know ahead of time so that we can have a plan in place.
Can younger siblings attend a field trip?
Schools usually have a policy regarding bringing younger siblings on field trips. They often do not allow them since the programs were not designed to be age appropriate for infants/toddlers.
What is your cancellation policy?
You must call the Alabama Nature Center 30 days in advance if you choose to cancel or reschedule your reservation. A $100 cancellation fee applies for no shows and cancellations with less than 30 days notice.
Do you have a gift shop?
Yes. Items range in price from $0.20 - $20.00. There is something for everyone including stuffed animals, hiking sticks, t-shirts, toys, books, and much more! Snacks and drinks are $1.00 each.
Do you offer field trip scholarships?
We do offer field trip scholarships due to the generous support of our donors. The criteria for these scholarships differ depending on guidelines set by our donors, but are mostly offered to schools that have not visited the Alabama Nature Center before. Applications can be found at https://www.alabamawildlife.org/uploadedFiles/File/LFD_Scholarship_Application_Fillable.pdf
Do you have animal sponsorships?
Do you have a favorite animal ambassador here at the Alabama Nature Center? Become a Wild Friend of a Gopher Tortoise, Eastern Indigo Snake, Gray Rat Snake, Midland Water Snake, Spiny Softshell Turtle, Snapping Turtle or a Barking Tree Frog. Our educational animals need lots of tender-loving care and we would love for you or your class to sponsor one of them. Find more information here: https://www.alabamawildlife.org/wild-friend-supporter/
Can I take photos during the field trip?
We encourage you to take photos during your field trip and share them with us on social media. Make sure you have permission/photo releases before you share pictures of children other than your own. .