Bring Your Group to Dodge

Scheduling fills up quickly—we recommend you request your visit several months in advance for the best chance of availability.

SCHOOL YEAR
Requests for school year field trips open August 1 and continue throughout the school year.

SUMMER
Requests for summer programming opens the first Monday of the new year and continues throughout summer.

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.

Cancellation requests made at least four weeks before the program date are refundable with a $50 processing fee. Cancellation requests made less than four weeks before the program date are not refundable.

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

At Dodge Nature Center, students will be outside and active. Please check the weather forecast and make sure your group is dressed appropriately for your experience at the nature center.

To adjust participant numbers, contact Julie Allen, the Group Program Registrar, at [email protected] at least two weeks before to your scheduled visit.

Groups lowering participant numbers less than two weeks before their scheduled visit will be charged for the total number of participants originally registered.

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 late arrival. No-shows 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, groups of 10 or more (adults and children) must email or call in advance to request use of outdoor facilities, spaces, and trails.

Groups must follow these guidelines:

• The group organizer must provide their phone and email in case we need to contact you. If the group organizer will not be onsite, another group member who will be onsite with the group must provide their phone and email.
• If your group encounters Dodge staff and students onsite, allow them space to teach and learn. Naturalist-led groups pay for an educational experience. Participants of facility rentals also have priority over unpaid groups.
• Children must always be supervised to ensure they are treating wildlife, landscapes, and Dodge property with respect. See our ‘Tread Lightly’ policy.
• Do not leave personal items unattended.
• Respect all visitor guidelines and signs posted throughout the property.

Email [email protected] 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.

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