The Georgia Highlands College Wetland Preserve and Outdoor Laboratory is designed as an educational facility for the purpose of environmental education. Located at the north end of Paris Lake on the main campus of Floyd College, the 20 acre reserve supports a wide abundance of wildlife in several different ecosystem settings. A 1,200 foot boardwalk allows visitors the opportunity to preserve the sanctity of the wildlife; this area has been declared a limited access facility at Georgia Highlands College. Tours may be arranged through the Department of Science and Math at Georgia Highlands College. The college welcomes educational and community groups to use the area to further the appreciation of the importance of the wetlands to the environment.

The area is intentionally being left in a natural setting, therefore, there are certain inherent risks associated with the use of this facility for educational purposes. Wetland areas possess a tremendous diversity of life, not all of which is friendly to humans. It is the responsibility of the external event organizer to ensure that the following information is supplied to the participants of the event, and that all members of the event are made aware of the risks associated with the wetlands.

Access to the Wetland Preserve is made possible by using an elevated wooden boardwalk. Portions of the boardwalk are not enclosed by a protective rail and several staircases and viewing platforms have been included to enhance the observation of wildlife.

The Wetland Preserve is not equipped with protective shelters from the elements. In the case of inclement weather on the day of the scheduled tour, Georgia Highlands College should be contacted and the tour may be rescheduled.

Wetland wildlife may be unpredictable and dangerous. The Wetland Preserve is not a zoo, and the majority of the wildlife has had minimum contact with humans. Poisonous snakes and plant life are present, as are mosquitoes, flies, gnats, spiders, ticks, and other biting insects. It is the responsibility of the participants to minimize direct contact with the wildlife and provide adequate protection against pest species. Collection of plant or animal specimens is strictly prohibited without the prior approval of the director of the wetland project.

While all attempts have been made to reduce chances of injury, it is the responsibility of the event organizer to monitor the conduct of the participants and inform them of the risks involved.

The Wetland Preserve may be accessed by parking (buses, vans, or private vehicles) and walking from the pavilion on the west side of Paris Lake. Vehicles are not allowed on the access road to the Wetland Preserve.

There are no restrooms, picnic tables or meeting facilities available at the Wetland Preserve. However, the pavilion across the lake from the preserve may be reserved for snacks or lunches that your group may have prepared. Picnic tables, as well as restrooms, are available at this site.

To preserve the sanctity of the wildlife region, we ask that groups be limited to less than 30 individuals, including group leaders. The groups must provide an adequate number of supervisory personnel; Georgia Highlands College staff will not be responsible for supervision of participants. The group leader is responsible for the conduct of the participants, which includes ensuring that members adhere to safety guidelines and listen to the advice of the guide. The group leader must also prohibit exploration or activities which disturb the wildlife of the region.

For groups from specific institutions (schools, churches, etc.), the group leader is responsible for ensuring that permission slips have been received from all group members in accordance with their institutional policies. The group leader is charged with the care and conduct of their group.

The group leader or contact person should return the following data sheet to the following address no later than one week prior to the visit:

Additional information on the Georgia Highlands College Wetland Preserve may be obtained by writing to the address above, or by visiting the Wetland Preserve webpage at http://www.highlands.edu/academics/divisions /smpe/swamp/. You may also contact us by calling the Science and Math department at (706) 295-6306 or the Biology Lab Coordinator may be reached at (706) 368-7532 during normal working hours.

Name of organization, school or group:_________________________________

Group leader or contact name:________________________________________

Address: ________________________________

________________________________

________________________________

Phone number:____________________ Fax number:____________________

Date of activity:____________________ Time:_________________________

Number of participants:______________ Number of supervisors:___________

Grade or age range of participants:____________________________________

Pavilion Reservation needed:_____________ Time:______________________

As group leader, I have read the enclosed material concerning the Georgia Highlands College Wetland Preserve and understand the risks and dangers associated with the tour. I have adhered to all of our institution’s regulations concerning field trips and agree to abide by the rules and regulations of the Wetland preserve of Georgia Highlands College. I accept responsibility for the members of my group and in consideration for waiving of fees and other good and valuable consideration provided via the opportunity afforded me and my group concerning the Georgia Highlands College Wetland Preserve, operating under the auspices of Georgia Highlands College, the Board of Regents, the State of Georgia; and in recognition of the possible danger to which I and my group members might voluntarily be subjected to and reasonably inherent in such an activity; I hereby knowingly, freely, and voluntarily waive any right or cause of action, of any kind whatsoever, arising as a result of such activity from which any liability may or could accrue to Georgia Highlands College, the Georgia Board of Regents, to the State of Georgia and their employees and agents.

Signature:________________________________ Date:__________________