Frequently Asked Questions

How many students may I bring?
Please see program descriptions for specific class size limits. Please note that any group larger than 50 students will require Large Group Staging.  We highly recommend coming with smaller groups over several days.

What is Large Group Staging?
Groups with more than 50 students will be split in half. Half of the group will participate in the scheduled field trip program, while the other half will remain on site, eat lunch, and participate in suggested educational activities provided by the staff. (There will be NO Academy staff present to help with activities or to chaperone during this session.) The groups will then switch. Please allow 3 1/2 hours for large groups.

How many chaperones do we need?
Schools are required to provide chaperones for their groups (teachers are considered chaperones). The Elementary grade ratio is 1:7, Middle School is 1:10 and High School is 1:15. Any chaperones over this ratio will be charged $5.  Please note that chaperones must be at least 21 years old. We also ask that younger siblings be left at home and that cell phones or pagers be silenced during the field trip.

What are Liability Forms?
Phinizy Swamp Nature Park is operated by Southeastern Natural Sciences Academy, a non-profit organization which requires release forms separate from the school’s. Parents or guardians must sign an Academy release form.

Are there restrooms at the Nature Park?
Yes! There are restrooms with running water located in the front parking lot. We still encourage students to use restrooms prior to coming to the park.

What should we wear and bring to the park?
Students should wear closed-toe shoes and weather appropriate clothing that they will not mind getting dirty. Water bottles, sunscreen and cameras are welcome, but candy, soda and other snack items may not be consumed during the field trip.

Can we eat lunch at the Nature Park?
Yes! Reservations for the Pfizer Pavilion can be made when the field trip is booked. There are NO vending machines at the Nature Park.  All food and drinks must be brought in.  Water fountains are available.

What if it rains on our field trip date?
NO Problem!  Most of our field trips can be accommodated in the Academy’s classroom, laboratory, and covered outdoor classrooms.  Please note that for indoor field trips, curricula may change slightly. In the event of school cancellation or severe weather please call the Academy office at 706-796-7707 to discuss options.

How do we get to the Nature Park ?
Phinizy Swamp Nature Park is located on Lock and Dam Road close to the Augusta Regional Airport. From Doug Barnard Parkway, turn onto Lock and Dam Road (next to the Wastewater Treatment Plant). The entrance to the Nature Park is a half mile on the left.

Will we see wildlife at the Nature Park?
Your group will see many plants and hear birds, but in general there are few sightings of mammals or reptiles. Most mammals are active from dusk to dawn, and reptiles can be reclusive or not active in cold weather. Please do not raise students’ hopes by promising animal sightings!

How accessible is the Nature Park?
Nature Park trails are mainly dirt paths that have been successfully navigated by crutches, strollers and wheelchairs. There are portions of the Nature Park, however, that may be difficult to access. If access will be an issue for anyone in your group, please discuss your concerns when you book the field trip.

Can I check out a Field Trip Loan Box?
There are Loan Boxes available for most Field Trips. We highly recommend checking out a Loan Box which contains hands-on activities designed to prepare your students for their field trip. You may also check out Loan Boxes for programs other than the program you booked. Please check for availability.

How much will the field trip cost?
Please contact the Academy office at (706) 796-7707 for pricing information.