Use of Gehlar Hall Classrooms

“The mission of the Ankeny Hill Nature Center is to provide educational and interpretive opportunities to connect people with nature.”

Activities planned for the use of the classroom spaces (indoor and outdoor covered) must align with the environmental education mission of the Ankeny Hill Nature Center.

Groups eligible for requesting use of the Classrooms may include: Educational organizations, Community-based groups, Non-profit organizations, Government agencies, and Professional Groups. If you aren’t sure if your group qualifies, please drop us an email at info@ankenyhillnaturecenter.org.

Things to Consider When Making A Reservation Request

About the facility —

• An approved reservation includes full access to the Gehlar Hall indoor and covered outdoor learning spaces, two gender-neutral restrooms, and sinks. The building is fully heated and cooled.

• The covered outdoor classroom is directly accessible from the indoor classroom through double-wide folding doors. The indoor capacity is 50 people.

• Limited drop-off and parking are available for school buses, vans, and private vehicles. It will be reserved for your use as necessary.

• WiFi and internet access are available in both classroom areas.

• A large-screen monitor is available for use with your computer (HDMI and VGA compatible).

• Classroom reservations for any day of the week, with requests for Tuesdays and Thursdays receiving priority consideration. Federal holidays are excluded.

• Classrooms are reserved for up to six hours – 9 am to 3 pm. Your arrival and departure should be planned accordingly.

• A trained Nature Center volunteer or staff member from the US Fish & Wildlife Service will greet your group, provide a brief orientation, and remain on-site. However, your instructor or group leader is responsible for all learning activities conducted during your visit.

When Your Group Visits the Nature Center —

When your group arrives at the Nature Center, you will be greeted by a trained volunteer or US Fish & Wildlife Service staff member who will provide a brief orientation to the facilities. At least one volunteer or staff member will remain on-site during your visit in case of an emergency or system failure.

Please understand the instructor(s) or group leader(s) must handle all learning activities during your visit. The presence of a Nature Center volunteer or staff member should not be included as part of your learning plans or supervision of learners.

Taking part in a Nature Center learning experience can be exciting, adventurous, and inspirational. It is a chance for visitors to make their own connections to nature and wildlife and for educators and group leaders to nurture respect and love for our natural world. 

The Ankeny Hill Nature Center and Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge are special places. To protect them and provide each visitor with a high-quality experience, we ask them to follow these guidelines and rules.

Be a Good Nature Center Steward —

• Take Only Memories

All plants, animals, and artifacts in the Refuge are protected. Students and visitors may only take drawings, pictures, rubbings, and memories with them when they leave.

 • Show Respect for Wildlife

Do not disturb animals in their habitats. If a nest, eggs, or chicks are found, please leave them alone. If you look closely, you'll see living things — tiny insects, amphibians, mammals, and large birds. Give them space.

 • Walk & Talk Quietly

Walk and talk quietly. This improves your chances of observing wildlife as they behave in their habitat. It shows your respect for the animals and decreases the stress human disturbance might cause.

 • Replace - Don't Take

If you are not in the Nature Explore Area near Gehlar Hall and pick up a rock, stick, leaf, or blossom to examine; when finished, please put it back as you found it.

• Stay on Trails and in Designated Areas

Please stay on the trails and in designated areas (such as the Nature Explore Area). Avoid stepping on or disturbing plants and animals. Going into habitats or grassy areas is only allowed when instructed.

• Listen & Stick Together

Pay attention to your activity and group leaders. Stay with your assigned group. An adult must supervise each group.

• Don’t Litter — Leave No Trace.

Please don’t leave any trash behind. It is not good for the habitats or the wildlife.

• Respect the Equipment

If you are using Nature Center equipment or education materials, such as binoculars or pelts, please be careful with them. We need them to remain in good condition for other groups to use.

• Enjoy Yourselves & Have Fun!

There is so much to learn, explore, and observe!

Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge Rules and Regulations

The Nature Center is part of the Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) — a network of restored wetlands managed by the US Fish & Wildlife Service. It provides year-round water for waterfowl and important resting and roosting habitats for resident and migratory birds. You can do lots of fun, interesting, and educational things at the refuge. Remember, if an activity is not wildlife-related and doesn’t help protect or understand wildlife or their habitat, refuge rules probably govern this activity. 

Please check with the refuge management before participating in an activity that could harm the environment or yourself. There are plenty of activities on Ankeny NWR for you to enjoy. Be safe and have fun!

• Pets

For pet and wildlife safety, dogs and other domestic animals — leashed or not — are not permitted outside vehicles anywhere on the refuge. 

• Motor Vehicles and Bicycles

Motor vehicles and bicycles are permitted only on the roads open to public vehicle access. Bicycling is prohibited on all trails. Please park only in designated areas.  

• Drone Flights

Using drones or other unmanned flight tools is not allowed over Ankeny Hill National Wildlife Refuge, including the Nature Center, unless the pilot has been issued a permit by the regional US Fish & Wildlife Service office.

• Prohibited Activities

Jogging, camping, fires, horseback riding, ATV or ORV use, and cross-country skiing are not allowed in the Refuge. Collecting historical objects, artifacts, rocks, stones, or mineral specimens is not permitted. It is prohibited to collect animals, plants, or their parts, such as antlers, berries, or mushrooms. 

• Firearms

Firearms and other weapons are prohibited except as allowed by state law. Firearms are not allowed inside a Federal Building. Consult the refuge office for further information.