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HOME > Procedures> Community Use

Community Use of the Bernard Field Station

The Bernard Field Station of the Claremont Colleges (BFS) is a common-use facility of the Claremont University Consortium (CUC), serving the teaching and research needs of students, faculty, and staff of all of The Claremont Colleges, primarily as an outdoor laboratory for biology and environmental science programs and courses. Supervised educational use by community groups is permitted provided that the proposed activities will not alter or in any way disturb the habitat, plants, animals, or ecological function of the BFS nor interfere with its current or future use, namely, the teaching and research programs of the Claremont Colleges.

If your group would like to visit the BFS, please have the group leader phone the BFS Director at 909-398-1751 to discuss the proposed use and find out how to apply.

Rules for Community Use of the BFS:

1. APPROPRIATE USE: The BFS may be used for educational or research purposes only. The BFS may not be used for any commercial purpose, including commercial photography, without prior written permission from the Claremont University Consortium. The BFS is not a recreational facility. In particular, running or jogging, recreational bicycling, fishing, overnight use, and bringing dogs or other domestic animals onto the station are strictly prohibited. Collecting specimens is not usually allowed on the BFS. Exceptions to this policy require appropriate collecting permits and must be approved in advance by the Faculty Advisory Committee.
2. WAIVERS: Anyone who is not a student or employee of the Claremont Colleges must sign a waiver of liability in order to use the BFS. Click here to access waiver forms to print out and sign. Do not forget to bring the signed copy of the waiver with you on your visit to the BFS to give to the Director.
3. ACCESS: Enter the BFS by the gate at Amherst Ave on Foothill Blvd. The Director or another designated representative will meet you to collect your waivers and let you in the gate. It is a good idea to bring the BFS office phone number with you (909-398-1751).
4. DRIVING AT THE BFS: You need special permission to bring your vehicle onto the station. In general, vehicles are allowed on the station grounds only under two conditions – to transport heavy or bulky equipment or to transport people who would have difficulty walking to the study site. All vehicles, including buses, cars, and bicycles, must stay on dirt or paved roads within the BFS; driving on or through native vegetation is forbidden.
5. PARKING AT THE BFS: Unless you have permission of park on the station, parallel park ONLY along Mills Ave or Foothill Blvd. Do not park any gates with your vehicle. If you receive permission to bring your vehicle into the station grounds, park only in the areas indicated on the map of BFS roads, parking, and facilities. All roadways inside the BFS are firelanes, and they MUST be kept clear at all times so a fire truck can pass unhindered. Do not park in the circle in front of the old infirmary; the only fire hydrant on the BFS is there. Never park on native vegetation.
6. SMOKING AND FIRES: Smoking and fires of any kind are prohibited without exception, at all times, on every part of the BFS.
7. FIREARMS: Firearms are prohibited at the Claremont Colleges, including the BFS, except where authorized by law.
8. FACILITIES:
   • RESTROOMS: A Porta-Potty is located near the circular drive in front of the old infirmary.
   • PHONE: An emergency phone is located on the wall of the BFS Field House (yellow box), as shown in the map of BFS roads, parking, and facilities.
   • OUTDOOR LABORATORY: The only classroom on the BFS is an outdoor laboratory, which can accommodate approximately 24 students. Running water is available in a sink, but not on the benches. You must indicate on your use application if you want to reserve the outdoor laboratory.
   • OTHER FACILITIES: There are no visitor accommodations on the BFS. No food or drinks are available, though there is a drinking fountain near the classroom and water is potable from all spigots on the grounds; if you will be at the station for an extended period of time, please bring your own food and water.
9. APPROPRIATE ATTIRE: The BFS terrain is rocky, brushy, and sometimes muddy. Poison oak occurs on the station, and many plants have spines, prickles, or thorns. Dress for safety and comfort by wearing hiking shoes, boots, or athletic shoes. Sandals or heels are not acceptable. Shorts are not recommended. Wear a hat and sunscreen if you will be on the station for an extended time or in the middle of the day. Clothing in muted colors such as browns, grays, and khaki will minimize disturbance to wildlife.
10. FIELD ETIQUETTE: The BFS is shared by many users as well as the plant and animal inhabitants. Please observe common field etiquette to “leave no trace” of your presence during or after your visit:
    • Habitats within the BFS are fragile. Please help to preserve the natural habitat by staying on paved and fire roads whenever possible. Be very careful to step around, branches, bushes and other vegetation.
    • It is prohibited to modify vegetation or alter the BFS in any way unless it is a specifically approved part of your project.
    • Respect other people’s projects. If you see marking, flags, or other indications of studies, stay away and go around. Deliberately interfering with other projects is grossly unethical and will cause you to be banned from the BFS.
    • Don’t litter! Carry all trash away from your activity site, and if you see obvious trash (not flags or stakes but wrappers, etc.), please pick it up and throw it away. Trash cans are available in the outdoor classroom and by the entry gate. It is a privilege for you to visit the BFS. In return, we ask that take the responsibility to help protect and maintain the BSF by leaving the environment and facilities cleaner than you found them.