We invite Friends of the Clifton Institute to come explore the field station on their own every Saturday from mid-January to mid-October (the exact dates are on our calendar). You can become a Friend of Clifton with a minimal annual donation of $40 by donating here. You will be emailed a parking pass for open-access days when you do so. If you have any questions about being a Friend or if you need a replacement parking pass please email Managing Director Eleanor Harris at eharris@cliftoninstitute.org.

By attending an open-access day, you are affirming that you have read and agree to our liability release policy (click here). As you walk our trails, you can help us take care of the field station by keeping your eyes and ears open to help us learn about the ecosystem we’re a part of and by enjoying and respecting the plants and animals that live here. If you take any photos of your discoveries, please upload them to our iNaturalist project, where we are trying to document every species that lives on our property.

A trail map is available here. Please note that some trails are in the process of being built and many are not marked. Navigation skills and a GPS are recommended. Please stay on the trails, use common sense, and proceed at your own risk.

The farmhouse restroom is closed to visitors at this time. There are port-a-potties available in both parking lots.

We reserve the right to deny access to our property to anyone who does not obey the rules posted below or is otherwise disruptive to our field station operations.

• On open-access days, you may park either at the lower parking area (“the Gap”) or at the farm house.
• All children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
• You are welcome to bring your family with you on open-access days. One or two visitors are acceptable as well, but if this starts to be abused we reserve the right to limit the benefit to family members.
• No dogs are permitted.
• Leave no trace. We expect you to take all litter with you. It would be even better if you helped us pick up any litter you find! We do not have trash collection facilities.
• Take nothing but photographs. We use our trails to teach kids about the environment and their experiences are much richer if there are still feathers and bones and everything else for them to look at.
• No swimming, fishing, boating, or any other entry in the ponds.
• No alcohol is permitted.
• No horses, bicycles, automobiles, ATVs, or any other vehicles are allowed on the trails.
• No hunting is permitted.