Armand Bayou Nature Center's
Field Trip Planner
WELCOME to the exciting, outdoor, field experiences offered by Armand Bayou Nature Center!
Established in 1974, Armand Bayou Nature Center (ABNC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental education and preservation. ABNC protects a 2,500-acre preserve and offers tours, exhibits and classes for the public. Over five miles of nature trails introduce visitors to bayou, forest and prairie ecosystems. The recreated Martyn Farm teaches visitors about farm life in the early 1900's.
PROGRAMS
ABNC offers a wide variety of exciting educational activities, demonstrations and tours that emphasize the interrelationships of plants, animals and people to their environment. Exploring, hiking, and discovery quests engage students and increase their understanding of the environment. Farm programs promote insight into how farmers and their families learned to use the natural environment. To learn more about ABNC's programs, click on a side link. If desired, programs may be combined or tailored to create a full-day or specialized experience for your group.
SCHEDULING A PROGRAM
Reservations
School field trips can be scheduled Tuesday - Friday. ABNC is open Tuesday - Saturday, 9:00am - 5:00pm and Sunday, 12:00 noon - 5:00pm. Call (218) 474-2551 x13 to make a reservation.
Due to the high demand and preparation required for our classes, reservations must be made at least 3 weeks in advance of your planned visit. A 50% deposit must be made within 5 business days of your reservation in order for us to reserve your date.
Our classes require advanced planning and are based on the number of student spaces reserved for each program. Please assist us in serving your needs by registering an accurate number of students for your planned field trip.
Note that each class reservation requires a minimum of 10 participants. If your group has fewer than 10 paying members, you are welcome to attend a class but will be charged for 10, unless you have made arrangements to combine your class with another group. Groups with more than 60 students require special arrangements. Please call the education office at (218) 474-2551 x13 for details.
Confirmation
Once we receive your reservation, a confirmation letter will be mailed or emailed to you.
Group coordinators must call one week in advance of a scheduled trip to confirm the number of participants. This information allows us to provide you with an appropriate number of teachers and adequate supplies. Calling ahead will also assure that you are charged for the correct number of students.
Payments
Program cost varies, but all program fees include general admission. See the links to the various programs or call for cost information. Please note that one teacher per class may attend free of charge. All other adults and chaperones pay the participant fee.
We require a 50% deposit within 5 days of your reservation. Full payment is due on or before the day of the field trip. Please make checks payable to Armand Bayou Nature Center. Credit and debit card payments can be taken over the phone.
Cancellations & Refunds
Cancellations must be made at least 2 weeks in advance to receive a refund of the 50% deposit. A $25 processing fee will be withheld from refunds. Exceptions are made for severe weather. Otherwise, classes are held rain or shine. (If the Nature Center cancels a class, every effort will be made to reschedule or a refund will be provided.) No refunds will be made for absentee children. If you should bring more children than you have reserved space for, payment must be made upon entry of the group.
General Guidelines
- Chaperone - A 1:10 ratio of chaperones is required.
- Dress for the weather - Old clothes and shoes are recommended, as students may get dirty. Students should wear closed-toed shoes with socks. No sandals, please.
- Arrive on time - Please call the day before the field trip to confirm the number of students and your arrival time. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before class begins. Late arrival may result in a condensed or cancelled program. Instructors will meet classes in the ABNC parking lot.
Lunches
The Nature Center provides an area with tables and benches. Please notify us when you make your reservations if you plan to picnic. Remember ABNC does not allow glass containers. We encourage a "carry in - carry out" policy for trash.
Special Needs
ABNC's site and programming format may present difficulties for individuals with certain limitations. ABNC makes every effort to serve students with special needs. The entry boardwalk, education building, prairie platform and bird blind are wheelchair accessible; trails and the farmhouse are not. Please discuss special needs with ABNC staff at the time of your reservation request.
Safety Considerations
- Mosquitoes often enjoy tasting nature center visitors. Bring your own insect repellent.
- The Texas sun is strong! Wear sunscreen and/or a hat, especially during warm weather.
- Nature center staff and volunteers try to keep field trips as fun and safe as possible, but potential hazards may arise. By taking a field trip or participating in any other Armand Bayou Nature Center activities, participants agree to hold Armand Bayou Nature Center harmless for any injuries or damage that may arise.