BEFORE THE TRIP

Class List

Please use the Class List template to separate your students into groups. Bring the class list on the day of your field trip. Please make sure you write comments on the class list. This ensures that our naturalists will teach your students appropriately.

Name Tags

Click HERE to download the name tag template. Please create a nametag for each child, and pin it on before they arrive for the hike. Please do not string the nametags around their necks.

Payment

Payment is due on or before your visit, unless arrangements have been made with our Education Director prior to your visit. We accept checks and credit cards. Please do not bring cash (unless arrangements have been made).

Getting Here

Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary has an open space parking lot with spaces for: 

• 3 buses
• 30 cars 
• 2 disability spaces near front entrance 

Directions: 

To get to Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary (TWS) you will have to use Santiago Canyon Road. There are two turn offs to get to TWS; Modjeska Canyon Road and Modjeska Grade Road.  

NOTE: Modjeska Grade Road is a windy, steep elevation road. If you are using a bus you will want to take Modjeska Canyon Road. 

Heading to TWS from the north and heading south down Santiago Canyon Road, Modjeska Canyon Road will be on the left. 

Heading to TWS from the south and heading north on Santiago Canyon Road, Modjeska Grade Road will be before Modjeska Canyon Road. Drive past it for about 1.5 miles to reach Modjeska Canyon Road and turn right.  

Weather: 

In the canyon the weather can fluctuate dramatically throughout the day. Remind your students to wear layers, a hat, sunscreen, and closed-toed shoes. In the late spring, summer, and early fall the weather tends to be hot, especially during mid-day. In the late fall, winter, and early spring the weather tends to be colder, especially in the morning. Remind students to bring a reusable water bottle, filled with water.  

We still run programs during rainy days. If your field trip falls on a day scheduled to rain, ensure your students are wearing rain appropriate outfits.  

Due to past fire damage in the canyons, evacuation orders may be enacted during heavy rain events for potential flooding. If this happens before a program, you will not be charged for the program.

Lunches and Snacks: 

To reduce our impact on the Earth’s resources and address waste management issues moving forward into the next millennium, all ENC campuses (including Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary) have instituted a Zero Waste Policy. Staff, visitors and volunteers may not bring any Styrofoam or single-use plastics on site for any reason. Unless they are abiding strictly to our Zero Waste Policy, classes cannot eat lunches or bring any non-reusable or single-use items within the Sanctuary – this includes single use disposable water bottles.

We have a designated picnic area outside of the main Sanctuary for lunches and snacks. While we hope you will still be able to comply with the Zero Waste Policy within this area, if you do create waste, you must bring your own garbage bags and take your trash with you when you leave.

Your options for snacks/lunches are as follows: 

1. If your program is a 3-hour program, snack time can be incorporated within the programming time for a 10-minute break. The snack time will be at the 1 hour and 30-minute mark. All groups will meet at the picnic area outside the main campus.  You must bring your own garbage bags and take your trash with you. Please either separate the snacks by groups or make the snack the same for all students for easier distribution.
2. If your class wishes to have a snack or lunch after a program at TWS, we have a designated picnic area outside of the main Sanctuary. You must bring your own garbage bags and take your trash with you. You will have an allotted time of 30 minutes to use the picnic area. Have the students do a sweep at the very end to guarantee all trash was collected.
3. Your group can also arrive early to eat snacks on the bus before starting the program

If you are interested in utilizing the first two options, you must let the Education Director know when booking your program. 

FAQ’s 

1. What do we do if it rains? If it is very hot? If it is lightly raining we can still make the program happen outside if your students are dressed appropriately for the weather. If it is raining heavily we can do the program inside, but it will not be the same amazing experience as it would be outside in the Sanctuary. Know that there are no dates available for re-scheduling, so the choice is to cancel or come in the rain. Cancellation fees do not apply if cancellations occur due to inclement weather as determined by the ENC. During the summer and fall it can get very hot in the canyon. Activities will be tailored to shaded areas and naturalists will be carrying spray bottles to cool down students.  

2. How many adults can attend the program? Why is there a limitation? What is the fee for extra adults? We allow two free adults (including teachers) for every 15 children. Aids and adults that are attending to assist a child with medical/physical/behavioral challenges are not counted in that number. There is a limitation because we’ve found (from decades of experience teaching these programs) that additional adults frequently become a distraction to the students. Additional adults are allowed, however, and they pay the same fee as the children (i.e. if the program is $6.50 then those adults would pay $6.50). These are our policies, however your school may have other policies that restrict the number of parents attending field trips.

3. Is there a parking fee? No.