Field Trip Guidelines

Tour and Classroom Program

Programs include a guided tour of the Preserve and classroom discussion. The length of time for the programs typically ranges from approximately 3 hours to 4 hours.

The hike into the canyon and back is roughly one mile, so students should be advised to wear comfortable shoes and socks. The students should also be advised to dress weather appropriately. On a hot day, they should wear light, loose clothing. On a cold day, they should dress in layers. Please stress to your students that they must stay with the group and on the trail at all times. No leaves or flowers may be picked from plants.

Picnic Area

Picnic tables are available. However, you will need to bring your own water and trash bags. Students should be asked to pick up all litter from the picnic area.

Inclement Weather

No tours through the Preserve can be taken in the event of rain. If requested, indoor programming can still be conducted. Please contact the Preserve to discuss weather conditions and rescheduling your field trip if necessary.

Westcave Preserve Field Trip Information

Registration

Advance registration is required for all school group programs. To register for a program:

• Visit our website (www.westcave.org), select "School & Group Programs" from the menu and then click on the green "Schedule a Program" button.  From here you will be able to view a calendar of available dates as well as a description of our programming options.  Complete and submit the online registration form and you will receive a confirmation within 48-hours. 
• If you have difficulty registering, you can reach us at 830-825-3442. 

Payments

Payment is due upon arrival. Westcave Preserve accepts cash or checks made out to Westcave Preserve.

Cancellation

If it is necessary for you to cancel your reservation, please call at least two weeks in advance.

Arrival Time

Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled arrival time with your total number of participants. Should your group arrive late, your program may have to be shortened. Reduced fees are not offered if your program is shortened due to a late arrival.

Water

Westcave Preserve does not have sufficient water available to meet the needs of all students. We request that you bring water for each of your students.

Picnic Area

Picnic tables are available. However, we cannot provide water or trashcans.

Student Preparation

Please stress to your students that they will need to stay with the group and on the trail at all times. No leaves or flowers may be picked from plants.

The hike into the canyon and back is roughly one mile, so students should be advised to wear comfortable shoes and socks. The students should also be advised to dress weather appropriately: light, loose clothing on a hot day and layers on a cold day.

Parking

Parking spaces are limited. Please request that chaperones carpool.

Rain Policy

No tours can be conducted in the event of rain. Please contact the Preserve to discuss weather conditions and rescheduling your field trip if necessary.

Additional Information

Additional information regarding Westcave Preserve may be obtained from the Learning Objectives and TEKS Correlation document or by contacting us at 830-825-3442.