Dangermond Preserve Higher Education Class Use

Guidelines for Higher Education Class Field Trips

• Must be an accredited university or college

• Field trip must occur during regular business hours (Mon-Fri from 8AM-5PM)

  • Reminder: All field trips are day trips

  • Field trip locations and routes will be selected in collaboration with Dangermond Preserve staff. 

• Group Size: must be under 30 people in total 

• Vehicle Limit: 6 vehicles

• Course Instructor (aka organizer/point of contact) is responsible for:

  • submitting a visit request form with all attendees listed

  • communicating and scheduling the field trip with the Dangermond Preserve staff PoC (assigned upon trip approval)

  • ensuring all waivers are submitted from the group

  • attending and supervising class

  • ensuring the safety and conduct of all students under their direction

  • securing all transportation to and on Preserve, ensuring appropriate vehicle types for field trip/approved route

  • securing food and water for the group (pack it in/pack it out)

  • tracking first-aid and emergency contact info

• Group must agree to comply with the biosecurity requirements 
• Group must agree to follow the rules, policies, and procedure of the preserve

Please note that approved groups will receive more guidance, rules and information prior to their field trip. The Dangermond Preserve does not supply any scientific lab or field equipment.

Additional Approvals and Permitting

• If you are planning to conduct any data collection during your trip you will also be required to submit a research application.

• If your class involves handling of wildlife, you will need approval of your university’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). You will be asked to submit proof of these approvals prior to coming out for your field trip.

• If your class includes research on human subjects, you will need approval of your university’s Human Subjects Committee or Institutional Review Board. You will be asked to submit proof of these approvals prior to coming out for your field trip.

• If you plan to fly a drone you will need to complete a drone use agreement and provide additional information about your flight plan and proof of drone pilot license. Note that the Dangermond Preserve is within the airspace of the Vandenberg Space Force Base and additional approvals are required for drone flights.

• If you plan to install any kind of research equipment, you will need to consult with staff ahead of time with a plan for installation, protection, upkeep, and removal.

How to Apply

How to apply: Please fill out this application (link)

Deadlines: For the remaining 2024-2025 academic year, interested professors or course leaders should apply by the deadline below. Notifications to applicants will be sent approximately 2 weeks after the deadline.

• For field trips proposed for spring quarter, you must apply by Monday, February 17

• For field trips proposed for summer quarter, you must apply by Monday, May 12

Selection Criteria

During the application process your class visit will be reviewed for suitability based on a number of factors including alignment with the Dangermond Preserve mission and/or research initiatives, natural resources, infrastructure, environmental conditions, other research projects, etc. You will receive notification via email within 2 weeks of application submission due date.

During Your Visit

• Only visitors with an APPROVED visit request may come to the Preserve at the time and date specified in their visit request.

• Instructors are responsible for ensuring that all participants follow TNC’s code of conduct and for ensuring the safety of all students.

• Instructors are responsible for carrying a radio with them while on the property and following all check in and check out procedures.

• Instructors are responsible for knowing the gate code (there is no cell reception at the gate). This code should not be shared with others.

• All vehicles should carry a fire extinguisher if they will be driving on dirt roads.

• Leave all gates as you find them.

• Follow leave no trace principles and pack out all trash and debris.

• No pets, smoking, collection of any items, or recreation are allowed on the Preserve.

After Your Visit

• Feel free to post on social media but we ask that you take care when sharing photos of the Preserve and do not share any photos of Point Conception and the lighthouse, endangered or threatened species, buildings or infrastructure or cultural artifacts to social media. Please remove geolocation information from photos when posting them online and use #DangermondPreserve and #PointConceptionInstitute on your science in action posts.

• Share pictures of science in action with us that we can use for social media or our written outreach materials.

• If applicable, invoices will be emailed to the Course Instructor after your visit.