Low Impact Usage Code

In an effort to preserve and teach respect for the natural habitat, the Wilderness Science Center would like teachers utilizing the wilderness area to teach and practice these rules:

Stay on the trail - It is imperative that students and teachers stay on the trail unless given the "Ok" to leave it. Some lessons require the teacher to leave for a "teachable" moment, but please get permission before doing so - leaving the trail can damage the vegetation. There are rare times when students need to leave the trail, again, obtain permission from Dee Wilson, district coordinating teacher for the WSC, first.

Collect nothing - Remember the slogan: "Take only photographs, leave only footprints." Everything that is part of the nature center is needed to continue the natural cycles within the wilderness area. All of our individual needs are supplied elsewhere. The rationale is very simple: If one class collects seeds, it won't have much of an impact; however, if 10 to 20 classes collect seeds every year, it could have an impact on natural growth and succession of the ecosystems.

If you pick up a rock, a log or anything else, please put it back exactly as you found it. Rocks and logs provide habitats for many living things. Even if disturbed, we can at least replace the rock or log so that it can continue supplying a habitat.

Do not pick flowers or break branches off trees. When you pick a flower, you prevent if from completing its life cycle. By breaking a branch or peeling the bark of a tree, you damage the protective outer layer.

Please supervise your students at all times while at the wilderness area - Students are to have planned activities while at the WSC, and at no time are they to be turned loose to run through the woods, prairie or wetlands on their own.

Please view your visit to any natural area as if you are visiting a friend's home - Disturb as little as possible, treat the natural area with respect, and try not to break anything. In a sense, you are visiting a home, not a traditional home, but a very fragile home that can be damaged, upsetting a delicate balance.

If you should see a snake, do not pick it up - Try not to scream and give the snake plenty of room.

If you should find an injured or abandoned animal, please leave it alone - Report it to the wilderness center facilitator. Do not approach any wild animal. Observe it from a distance.