Field Trips

Prepare for a fun-filled day of learning in an outdoor classroom! The information below is designed to assist you in planning for a successful trip. Please review the following information with your students and chaperones.

Items to Bring:

• Each person should have a lunch including a drink.
• Each person should have extra water to drink during the day. Never drink untreated water from springs or rivers due to the potential presence of harmful organisms.
• Students may bring bug spray and sunscreen.

Items NOT to Bring:

• Remind participants of school rules for electronic devices. Field trips are still school even if it is outside.
• Cameras are the only devices allowed on ranger-guided activities. Any other electronic devices will have to be left on the bus.

Appropriate Clothing:

• Clothing should be appropriate to the activities you are planning.
• Participants need to wear appropriate footwear for walking a mile or more on woodland trails. No open-toed shoes or sandals should be worn on trails.
• Participants in water activities should have extra shoes, socks, and a towel. No one should be barefoot in the river.

Special Needs:

• Remember to plan ahead if a member of your class has any special needs such as wheelchair accessibility or visual assistance.

Weather:

• Check the weather conditions for the area you will be visiting. Severe conditions (i.e., flooding, lightning storms) may require you to alter your plans or cancel your trip.

For Your Safety:

• The ranger should remain at the front of the group on trails, as some routes may pass by unfenced overlooks, caves or mine shafts.

• Teachers and chaperones should be spaced throughout the group, not clumped at the end of the line. One adult should be the last in line to ensure everyone is present.

• Do not climb up bluffs or get too close to cliff edges. Go only where the ranger goes; gravity can be dangerous.

• Bring ample drinking water. Never drink untreated water from springs or rivers due to the potential presence of harmful organisms.

• Poison ivy and snakes are present and protected in the park. Never reach or step where you cannot see. Touch only what the ranger touches.

• Ticks and chiggers are hard to avoid anywhere in the Ozarks. Long pants and repellent help-- light colored clothes make it easier to spot and remove the critters.

• Sturdy shoes and proper clothing are a must to ensure a safe and comfortable out-of-doors experience.

Protecting Your Park:

Buffalo National River is part of the national park system. Plants, animals, rocks, pre-historic and historic sites are protected by law for all to enjoy.

• Collecting of anything is prohibited (except designated edibles for personal consumption).

• Littering is prohibited. Picking up after those less considerate is encouraged.

• Glass is prohibited within 100 feet of the river, its tributaries, and in caves. Bring drinks in non-glass containers.

• Stay on hiking trails. Avoid short cuts that create erosion and harm plants. If stepping off trail is unavoidable, don’t trample lichens or delicate plants.

• Excessive noise lessens the likelihood of spotting wildlife. Have fun, but respect others.

• Trees and rocks have rights, too. Never carve in bark, which increases likelihood of disease. Graffiti does not enhance the natural beauty of rocks or bluffs.
• Help protect your park by reporting violations to a park ranger.