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 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 about Using the Nature Center Classrooms

About the facility —

An approved reservation includes 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 sliding doors. The indoor capacity is 50 people.

  • Limited drop-off and parking are available for school buses, vans, and private vehicles.

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

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

  • Classroom reservations can be made for any day of the week, with requests for Tuesdays and Thursdays being prioritized. Federal holidays are excluded.

  • Classrooms are reserved for six hours, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Your arrival and departure should be planned accordingly. You may use the entire six hours or less.

  • A trained Nature Center volunteer or US Fish & Wildlife Service staff member will greet your group, provide a brief orientation, and remain on-site. However, your instructor or group leader is responsible for preparing and presenting all learning activities 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 that 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 in your learning plans or the 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 unique places. To protect them and ensure a high-quality experience for each visitor, we ask that they follow these guidelines and rules.

Ankeny Hill Nature Center
Use Guidelines

Be a Good Nature Center Steward —

  • Take Only Memories

    The refuge protects all plants, animals, and artifacts. Students and visitors may only take drawings, pictures, rubbings, and memories when they leave.

  •  Show Respect for Wildlife

    Do not disturb animals in their habitats. If you find a nest, eggs, or chicks, 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, you can pick up a rock, stick, leaf, or blossom to examine; when you are 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. You are only allowed to enter habitats or grassy areas 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 suitable for the habitats or the wildlife.

  • Respect the Equipment

    Please be careful when using Nature Center equipment or education materials, such as binoculars or pelts. 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 – a 2,700+ acre home for wildlife. All Refuge rules apply.

• Pets

Pets are NOT permitted 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

Drones or other unmanned flight tools are prohibited at Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge, including the Nature Center, unless by special US Fish & Wildlife Service permits.

• Prohibited Activities

Jogging, camping, fires, horseback riding, ATV or ORV use, and cross-country skiing are prohibited in the Refuge.

The collection and removal of historical objects, artifacts, rocks, stones, and mineral specimens is also banned.

Animals, plants, and their parts, such as antlers, berries, or mushrooms, may not be collected. 

• Firearms

Firearms and other weapons are prohibited inside buildings.  Follow all applicable federal and state laws. For further information, please contact the Refuge office at 541-757-7236.