Bring Your Group to Dodge

Read our most up-to-date policy on the Visitor Guidelines page.

Please wait to request your field trip for the school year and summer after these dates:

School year 2023–2024: opens August 1, 2023.
Summer 2024: opens January 8, 2024.

Total payment is due four weeks prior to your scheduled visit, unless otherwise discussed or an invoice has not yet been created. Checks should be mailed to Dodge Nature Center, along with the payment enclosure form or a copy of the invoice. To make a payment by credit card, have your invoice ready and call 651-455-4531.

If a cancellation request is made more than four weeks prior to the program date, you will be assessed a $50 processing fee. If a cancellation request is made fewer than four weeks of the scheduled visit, the full program fee must be paid and refunds will not be issued.

Dodge Nature Center does not cancel classes due to inclement weather. Staff will modify programs to keep students safe when conditions are severe.

Dodge Nature Center programs include activities that require participants to be outside and active. Please check the weather forecast and make sure your group is dressed appropriately for your experience at the nature center.

If adjustments in participant numbers are necessary, please contact Julie Allen, the Group Program Registrar, at jallen@dodgenaturecenter.org at least two weeks prior to your scheduled visit. Schools or groups adjusting participant numbers less than two weeks prior to their scheduled visit will be charged for the total number of participants originally registered, unless the number has increased.

Please note it may not be possible to accommodate a large increase in participants on short notice. Dodge Nature Center does not give refunds for participants that are not able to attend the day of a field trip.

Dodge Nature Center cannot alter the time of your scheduled program and does not reduce fees if your group’s program is shortened due to your late arrival. A group scheduled and confirmed that does not show up will be charged the full program amount.

Groups of 9 or fewer people are welcome to explore the grounds at any time during open trail hours. For the safety and consideration of Dodge staff and students, all groups of 10 or more people (including adults and children) must email or call in advance to request permission for use of outdoor facilities, spaces, and trails.

All groups must adhere to the following guidelines:
– The organizer for groups of 10+ people must provide their contact information (phone and email) in case we need to follow up with updates or concerns. If the organizer will not be present with the group, the group must also provide contact information for the group member who will be with and responsible for the group while onsite.
– If your group encounters Dodge staff and students onsite, please allow them space to teach and learn. Naturalist-led groups have paid for an educational experience. Participants of facility rentals also have priority over unpaid groups.
– Children must be supervised at all times, to ensure they are treating wildlife, landscapes, and Dodge property with respect. Please see our ‘Tread Lightly’ policy.
– Do not leave personal items unattended. Take your belongings with you as you explore the grounds.
– Groups must follow all other visitor guidelines listed on this page and posted throughout the property.

Please email info@dodgenaturecenter.org or call 651-455-4531 to schedule your self-guided group visit.

If you are interested in a naturalist-guided program, join a public program or schedule your own group program.