School & Group Programs

Preparing for Your Guided Field Trip

Divide your students into groups of 10 or less prior to your arrival. We can serve a maximum of 4 groups of 10 students at a time.
Assign each group an adult chaperone/teacher prior to your arrival. We require one (1) chaperone/teacher per five (5) students with a maximum of eight (8) chaperones/teachers per field trip.
Student nametags are encouraged and improve the quality of your program.
Remind all participants that the program will take place entirely outdoors. Dress for the weather, wear closed-toed shoes, and be prepared for an active outdoor walk.
Please let us know in advance of any requests for special accommodations. We will do our best to meet your needs.
Review student and teacher/chaperone expectations with all participants before your visit. Teachers/chaperones are responsible for the conduct of their groups. Students must be under direct adult supervision at all times.

Cooperate with NCBG staff and field trip leaders and follow directions.
Follow behind your field trip leaders – they always lead the way.
Use quiet or “inside voices”. Encourage everyone to listen for the many natural sounds.
Walking feet only.
Stay on pathways to protect plants and animals. Garden beds are for plants, not feet!
Leave all flowers, leaves, seeds, sticks, rocks, and animals as you find them so that everyone can enjoy them. The Garden is their home. No picking or collecting.
Carnivorous plants are for eyes only. Touching the Venus flytraps, sundews, and pitcher plants can hurt them. Do not feed the plants.
Respect other visitors. The Garden is open to the public.
Be aware of your surroundings and respect the space around you. We share the gardens and trails with wild animals.
Respect program materials and equipment, facilities, and yourself.
Keep your feet on the ground. Do not climb, hang, or swing on trees, buildings, or sculptures.

Students must be under direct adult supervision at all times.
We expect teachers and chaperones to actively engage in the program, manage group behavior, and assist the program leader as needed.
Limit cell phone use to emergencies only.
Limit conversation among adults to ensure that students and chaperones participate fully in the program.

The Garden is located at 100 Old Mason Farm Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27517. Directions can be found here.
Buses/vans can unload students at the drop-off area, then park in the designated bus parking (see Garden Map).
Please give the For Bus Drivers page to your bus driver.
If coming by cars, carpooling is strongly encouraged as parking is limited. Carpooling also helps to reduce emissions and fulfill our conservation mission!

Groups are welcome to bring their lunch to eat in the picnic area located at the center of the parking lot (see Garden Map). There are 12 tables available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Trash and recycling bins are located in the picnic area. Please leave the area clean.
We do not have a place to store lunches or an indoor area for groups to eat. Most groups leave their lunches on the bus, and either have a teacher retrieve them or have the bus drop them off at the entryway for pickup at a designated time.

Arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled start time. This allows enough time for your group to unload, gather, and take a bathroom break, if needed. Late arrival may result in a shortened program or possible cancellation.
If you are running late, or unexpectedly no longer able to attend, please call Lauren Greene at (919)-962-2887 or the Garden’s main line at (919) 962-0522.
Meet your field trip leaders at the ENTRYWAY (see Garden Map). When you arrive, look for a sign designating the field trip meeting spot. Staff will welcome your group, review rules, and divide students into their pre-assigned groups.
Group restrooms are available in the Education Center.
Please do not gather in the buildings.
NOTE: The Peacock Discovery Room is not open to school groups.