Frequently Asked Questions

How many students can attend a program?
Please see program description for specific class size limits. Please note that any group larger than 50 students will require Lock and Dam staging. For Bug Mania and Butler Creek Blues, groups over 40 students will also require Lock and Dam staging.

What is Lock and Dam staging?
Groups with more than 50 students will be split in half. Half of the group will participate in the Nature Park program, while the other half will be a short distance away at Lock and Dam Park. The groups will then switch. While at Lock and Dam Park, no Academy staff will be present, but suggested activities will be supplied. Please note that we will be testing Lock and Dam staging alternatives such as the new education building for the 2003-2004 schoolyear.

How many chaperones do we need?
Schools are required to provide chaperones for their group (teachers are considered chaperones). Pre-Kindergarten to Eighth Grade groups need one chaperone for every seven students. High school groups need one per fifteen students. Chaperones may NOT bring younger siblings. Note: All cell phones MUST be turned off or set on vibrate during the program.

What are the liability sheets?
Phinizy Swamp Nature Park is operated by the Southeastern Natural Sciences Academy, a non-profit organization, which requires release forms separate from the schools. Therefore, parents/guardians must sign two release forms for each student: one for the school and one for the Academy.

Are there restrooms at the Nature Park?
Yes! We are proud to announce the addition of new restrooms and running water at the Nature Park; however, we still encourage students to use the restroom prior to leaving their schools!

What should we wear and bring to the Nature Park?
Tell your students to wear clothing and closed-toe shoes that they wouldn’t mind getting dirty. On cold days, advise them to wear layers. Students may want to bring cameras and sunscreen. Candy and snacks are not allowed 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.

What if it rains on our field trip date?
No Problem! We now have a new education center and your program can be modified for presentation indoors. In the event of school cancellation or severe weather, please call our office at 706-828-2109 or 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 next to the Augusta Regional Airport in Augusta. From Doug Barnard Parkway, turn left 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 inactive in cold weather. Please do not raise students’ hopes by promising animal sightings!

How accessible is the Nature Park?
The 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 would be difficult for wheelchairs to access. If access will be an issue for your group, please discuss your concerns when you book the field trip.

How much will the tour cost?
Richmond, Columbia, and Glascock counties’ public school groups attend Nature Park programs free of charge. All other public and private schools will be charged $4.00 per student per program. There is no charge for chaperones.