Helpful Tips

Site Use: Your group will be at the Carpenter Nature Center. CNC staff ask that you remind your students to be respectful and practice good outdoor ethics. Inform your students not to collect materials unless otherwise permitted by your naturalist. Ask your students to move slowly and quietly around the Nature Center’s animal ambassadors inside the Visitor Center.

Clothing: A majority of the program will take place outdoors. Remind students and chaperones to dress properly for the weather to ensure all participants are comfortable, safe, and enjoying the field trip experience. CNC staff recommends students wear a close-toed shoe that is secure to the foot. Layers for the spring and fall seasons are great. In the winter, insulated boots with good tread, a warm pair of pants or snow pants, a hat that covers the ears, a scarf, and mittens or insulated gloves. Teachers, it is your responsibility to inform CNC if you feel your students are not prepared well for the weather and want to reschedule.

Weather: If the weather is inclement on the day of your visit, we ask that you please call ahead if you wish to reschedule your visit. Please be mindful that our program calendar fills during our busy seasons, and we may be unable to accommodate a rescheduled date. CNC staff can offer a ‘rainy day’ program substitute for same-day field trip programming.  If your group is already at the Nature Center when severe weather occurs, staff will take the necessary precautions to ensure the group’s safety.

Ticks: Ticks are most active during March – October and can be found in tall grasses, brush, and wooded areas. During your visit, students may encounter these conditions. Remind your students and their parents to perform a “tick check” when they get home. Wearing long pants is encouraged, or other tick-repellent clothing can help prevent ticks.