Group Information

 

Self Guided Field Trips:

Groups of 15 or more individuals (students, parents, teachers, and others present) are welcome to schedule a self-guided field trip at Oxbow Meadows but MUST make a reservation at least 2 weeks in advance, subject to availability. This is especially important in the spring and summertime when we already have a large number of school groups on the property Tuesday through Friday. Due to the heavy volume of field trip traffic, self-guided field trips may start no earlier than 10am and must depart by 3pm.

 **We reserve the right to turn away self-guiding groups of 15 or more who do not make a reservation ahead of time, due to building capacity and scheduled programs. Self-guided groups of 15 or less do not need advance registration.

For groups requesting an organized field trip with the Oxbow Meadows education team, please visit the link below: 

Field Trips

Groups that are interested in hosting a program or renting Oxbow, please visit the link below to learn more:

Rentals

 

 

 

If you wish to self-guide a field trip at Oxbow Meadows, please email oxbowmeadows@columbusstate.edu with the following information and we will respond within 1 week to confirm availability of your requested dates or offer alternate dates.

Please include the following information in your email:

• Organization name:
• Contact name:
• Phone number:
• Email:
• Self-guided field trip date:
• Self-guided field trip start and end time:
• # of students expected to attend:
• # of chaperones expected:
• Will you be arriving by bus, van or individual cars?
• Will your bus or van be staying in our parking lot while you are at Oxbow Meadows?
• Does your group request to use our Discovery Forest or hiking trails for activities?
• Does your group request to use picnic tables for lunch?

Self-guided Group Visits Policy:

• Groups with youth may not exceed 60 visitors.  Children must be supervised at all times.
• All groups of more than 15 individuals, must register in advance.
• Large groups must divide into groups of no more than 30 people at a time when touring the inside exhibits.
• After emailing with a self-guided field trip request, you will receive a confirmation email with the date and time of your visit.
• Self-guided field trips many only be scheduled Tuesday-Friday from 10am - 3pm.
• Oxbow Meadows has one picnic area that is first reserved for scheduled field trips with Oxbow Meadows education staff.  
• Other groups are not guaranteed access of the picnic space while on a self-guided field trip.
• Specific visit information will be included in the confirmation email.

Trail Rules:

• Self-guided field trips can access trail maps on the Oxbow Meadows website.
• Large groups need to have one adult for every 12 students.  Walking in smaller groups will reduce noise for others on the trails and will allow a better experience while on the trails.
• All groups must follow the trail rules posted.
• Smoking and vaping is not allowed on the trails.
• Collecting of plants, wildlife, flowers, or rocks is not allowed.
• Fishing is not allowed.
• To prevent erosion, all groups must stay on the trails.  Groups may not explore any area that is not on the trails.
• All children must be supervised at all times while on the trails.
• Feeding of any wildlife is prohibited.
• Dip netting is not permitted for self-guided groups, this must be scheduled as a program with Oxbow Meadows staff.
• Binocular usage is not guaranteed for self-guided groups.