Frequently Asked Questions
Who can visit SSU Preserves?
The SSU Preserves are open to anyone engaged in educational, art or research activities regardless of age, affiliation, or background. Reservations are required. Our classes are open to everyone - although there are some restrictions for unattended minors.
Can I go to the SSU Preserves to hike?
Recreational visits are not compatible with preserve activities. SSU Preserves are outdoor laboratories for experimentation and measurement. Just as with a research laboratory on campus, unsupervised activity can unintentionally disrupt experiments and result in significant loss of time and money. The Center's access policies allow us to coordinate use and avoid conflict among education, management and research activities.
What kinds of activities are compatible with Preserve use?
Any educational, art or research activity approved by the Center Director.
What can I do at a Preserve?
- Tours – Join us for a guided public tour on selected Saturdays in the Fall and Spring.
- Classes – We provide 5-day trainings in environmental education, land management, and water research, and one-day workshops and outings on a variety of topics.
- Field Trips – Classes or groups on educational outings are welcome
- Projects - Independent research projects are encouraged.
- Volunteering – We welcome you to attend our regular volunteer events.
- Retreats - See Visit Preserves page to reserve facilities for a retreat (day use only).
Can I visit a Preserve on my own?
Yes, as long as you have an approved reservation and follow procedures for access. In some cases for safety reasons, we may require that you bring someone with you.
Can I lead a class or take a group to a Preserve?
Yes. If you have your own curriculum or education goal for the trip, all you need is a reservation. The reservation application includes information that allows us to coordinate with other users. Contact us for a site visit or we can meet when you arrive with your group.
How do I make the SSU Preserves part of my education at SSU?
If you want to earn academic credit as part of Center programs at the preserves, you can get involved in preserve internships (environmental education, land management, water research, technology) or we can help you design a project for a class, capstone, senior thesis, Master’s Theses or special studies at the preserves. Center staff can also work with your course instructor to engage your whole class in a Preserve project.
Can you come teach students in my K-12 classroom or do I need to bring them to a Preserve?
The Osborn Environmental Education Program (3-5 grade) includes a pre-field trip class visit and focuses on environmental education experience at the Osborn Preserve.
How do I start a research or art project at a Preserve?
Contact us for a site visit. Or, if you know what you want to do, just make a reservation on the Visit Preserves page.
What kinds of information and background data are available?
We encourage data sharing among all Preserve users and post available data to the web. Check the data table for information about weather, lands, culture, research, and management.
How can I support on-going efforts at the Center?
Please consider a donation or volunteering with the Center. Over 50% of the Center's budget is from donations and contracts. Please contact the Center Director.