frequently asked questions
General FAQs↓
Can I visit Piedmont Wildlife Center?↓
Yes! While PWC is not a museum or zoo, visitors are welcome to come see our raptor Ambassadors in their outdoor enclosures anytime. We are located in Leigh Farm Park, a public City of Durham park, which is free to the public and open daily from dawn to dusk. Our cabin, where we house our smaller Ambassador Animals, is currently closed to the public. Please keep in mind that Leigh Farm Park is a historic site and treat all buildings and other structures with respect.
When you arrive, park in the main parking lot at the top of the park. Check the green kiosk with "Piedmont Wildlife Center" written across the top for a simple map of the park and a list of our raptors on display, then follow the paved drive into the park itself. >>
Interested in a more in-depth and personalized visit? Consider booking a tour for your group!
I found a wild animal who needs help. What do I do?↓
PWC focuses on environmental education and conservation and is not equipped to accept, treat, transport, or raise injured or orphaned wildlife. If you are in the Durham-Raleigh-Chapel Hill area, please contact Our Wild Neighbors (919-428-0896) or one of these specialized organizations:
Carolina Raptor Center (birds of prey): 704-875-6521
Carolina Waterfowl Rescue (ducks, geese, other birds): 704-286-6330
NC State Turtle Rescue Team (turtles, other reptiles): 919-397-9675
You can find additional resources at Animal Help Now and the NC Wildlife Resources Commission.
Remember: It is illegal under North Carolina law to keep or attempt to raise wildlife without a permit.
At-School Programs↓
How many students can attend an assembly program?↓
Up to 200 students can attend an assembly program. If there are more than 200 students, we will have to schedule separate programs.
What happens if I have more attendees than anticipated?↓
If there are more attendees participating in the program than anticipated, we will adjust payment to accommodate additional participants.
Can other teachers drop into the program to see what PWC is all about?↓
Absolutely! If other teachers are free to stop by during your program, they are more than welcome to see what our programs are all about. We ask that these teachers be respectful of the animals and the students who are learning about them.
Should I notify the front office of my school that PWC will be coming?↓
Yes! This prevents any confusion or miscommunication. Please also let the front office know where the program will be taking place so they can give our instructor directions. If you have students helping our instructor with animals, have them meet in the front office.
Will the instructor need help carrying animals into my classroom?↓
It is always appreciated when our instructors have an extra hand for carrying animals from the truck into your classroom and vice versa. This is the perfect opportunity to reward well-behaved or excited students!
How do I contact my instructor if something changes on my end?↓
You should receive a confirmation email prior to your program that will have PWC’s office number and your instructor’s cell phone number. Please call the office first before calling the instructor. PWC’s Office Phone: 919-489-0900
Will the instructor need a table?↓
Yes! A standard 6’ table or something similar would work well.
Will the instructor need a microphone?↓
Most likely the instructor will not need a microphone, however, this is based on case by case. A microphone may be needed for large audiences.
If my program is an assembly style program and we will be located in an open space such as a gym, what is the best seating arrangement for students?↓
Our instructors will walk around with our ambassadors so students can get a closer look at them. If students are set up in two sections with a walkway down the middle of them, the instructor will be able to walk around during the program. Keep in mind, during assembly programs, students will not get an up-close encounter as they would in our class size programs.
What are the expectations of teachers during the program?↓
We want you to enjoy and participate in the program too. Please ask the instructor any questions and have fun! We do ask that teachers and chaperones be mindful of their students’ behavior and outline expectations beforehand. While our instructor is teaching, it is very helpful to have an extra set of eyes in the audience for crowd control, especially in assembly style programs.
If I am the coordinator of the program, should I be available the day of the program?↓
Yes, please! Sometimes the coordinator of the program will not be attending the program day of and it is important that all relevant information is communicated to all parties involved. Please be available by phone for any last minute confusion or miscommunication.
What if my instructor has not arrived 15 minute prior to the program?↓
We aim to have our instructors on site 15 minutes prior to your program. However, when working with animals, sometimes there are unexpected delays. If your instructor will be arriving after your program’s scheduled start time, they will be in contact with you.
If I need to cancel my program, what should I do?↓
If the program is canceled more than 2 weeks in advance, a full refund minus a $25 administrative fee will be given. If canceling the week of the program, a refund minus $100 administrative/instructor fee will be charged. If canceling on the same day as the program, no refund will be given. Please call the office to discuss our cancellation policy.
Backpacking↓
What can my camper expect from your program?↓
We offer an outdoor experience with like-minded children to socialize through exploration of the natural world. Through their own experiences, they will learn awareness of their surroundings, focus, nature skills and arts, community building, and how to appreciate their natural world and each other, and themselves.
What should my camper pack?↓
A packing list will be sent out in the spring with plenty of time to gather supplies and check gear. Here is a sample packing list from previous years. The list will most likely be similar, with minor adjustments for specific hiking locations.
What do the different Clans mean?↓
Our backpacking program is designed to grow with your camper. The different clans are designed to provide specific challenges based on camper experience and age. Otter I will be the easiest hike, at the beginning of summer and the age requirements, difficulty, and mileage will increase throughout the season. Bear Clan is designed for our more experienced wilderness lovers and will provide challenges unique to their trip.
What will be covered in the orientation?↓
The orientation will be a chance for hikers to meet their instructors and each other. Hikers will also bring their pack with their gear. Instructors will help with gear checks and answer any questions about the gear and provide general trip information.
What if we are unable to attend the orientation↓
Please reach out to camp@piedmontwildlifecenter.org if you realize you are unable to attend the orientation meeting for your backpacking trip. If you know you will be busy the week before, please reach out to organize another way for you to be prepared, and do not let this deter you from signing up for an amazing outdoor experience!
What if there is an emergency situation while the hikers are in the wilderness?↓
Each trip will have a detailed emergency plan prepared before the group's departure. Our trained instructors on the trip will be in contact with the Education Coordinator and Executive Director to provide updates and seek assistance if needed.
Are there payment plans for my child’s tuition?↓
Payment plans are available. All payments must be fulfilled before the trip.
Birthday Parties↓
What do most people do during a birthday party? ↓
Most people book either the Wild Neighbors or Raptor Alive presentation. Depending on the interest level of the birthday child, we can also add on a nature hike, or nature scavenger hunt. Generally we spend about 40 minutes with meeting animals and 20 minutes on another activity; however, we can spend the entire hour talking about the animals!
What if it rains? ↓
If it happens to rain during your birthday party we will skip the outdoor portion of the program and stay inside for an extended animal presentation. If you have more than 20 guests we may need to reschedule the program due to the size of our classroom.
Can we bring decorations? ↓
Yes, you may bring decorations. However, due to the impact balloons can have on our environment, balloons are not allowed. All decorations will need to be removed from the cabin and park at the end of the party.
What kind of food can I bring? ↓
People tend to bring cupcakes or birthday cake, but you are welcome to bring any treat you like!
How many animals will we get to see in the presentation? ↓
Generally, we are able to present 5 or 6 animals. It depends on the interest of the group and how many questions people ask.
Where do we park? ↓
We have a large parking lot as you pull into the park. Parents are welcome to park in the small lot near our Cabin (at the end of the road) to unload and load the birthday gear!
Camp Programs↓
What can I and my child expect from your program?↓
Piedmont Wildlife Center's mission is to connect people with nature. You can expect a program that encompasses the practice of gratitude, nature awareness, and stewardship. You can learn more about our story and core values here.
What does a day of camp look like?↓
Every day of camp differs depending on the theme, weather, and camper interest. We aim to fill the day with games, crafts, stories, nature challenges, animal encounters, and outdoor exploration. Our trained counselors follow campers' interests to plan a day that creates lifelong connections with nature. Our programs are all outside.
What should my child bring to camp?↓
Your child should bring a backpack with a change of clothes, a properly fitted mask, an extra pair of shoes, a non-perishable snack & lunch, and a full water bottle.
Is there anything my child should not bring to camp?↓
Please do not bring electronics (iPads, Tablets, Nintendo Switches, etc.), cell phones, or toys. These items are disruptive to the flow of the programs and could be lost or damaged.
What should my child wear to camp?↓
Your child should be dressed comfortably for the weather and for being active. Layered clothing is best for cooler days and allows to campers adjust based on comfortability. We recommend a waterproof sandal/shoe that is secure on the foot for creek explorations. Footwear that slips off easily can get stuck in the mud.
Why is there an age difference between the different park locations?↓
This is because the parks we operate out of in Orange and Wake County are less developed and require a little more hiking, which can be a challenge for younger campers. There is also limited access to bathrooms at our Orange locations.
Who do I call if I am late picking up or dropping off my child?↓
Please call our office at 919-489-0900 if you are late or need to communicate any information regarding your child.
What will you do about inclement weather?↓
We love having camp in all weather conditions, but in the case of inclement weather that poses a threat to the safety of our campers, our program coordinators will make a decision on canceling or adjusting our drop off/pick up times and communicate the decision to families as soon as they are made. We cannot offer refunds for program cancellations outside of our control.
Is aftercare available?↓
Aftercare is available with a limited number for our camp programs for an additional fee. Aftercare runs from 3:00 - 5:30 PM. If you are interested in adding aftercare to your registration, you can add it to your purchase in Active (our registration system) under additional purchases, or you can email camp@piedmontwildlifecenter.
Where can I find waitlist information?↓
If you would like to know what place your camper is on the waitlist please contact camp@piedmontwildlifecenter.org. Unfortunately, we are unable to confirm if/when your camper will make it off the waitlist as it depends on other participants canceling their registration.
Is there payment assistance for my camper?↓
Payment plans are available for our programs. You can learn more about our scholarships here.
Counselor in Training (CIT) Programs↓
When do the Teen Outdoor Leadership camps take place?↓
Our TOL camps take place each summer at our Durham, Orange, and Wake locations.
What happens if my teen cannot attend one of the Teen Outdoor Leadership camps but wants to be a CIT?↓
If your teen cannot attend one of the Teen Outdoor Leadership camps but wants to be a CIT, please email our CIT Coordinator at camp@piedmontwildlifecenter.org and explain your situation. In some cases, we can set up for teens to “shadow” other CITs and build experiences that way before becoming a CIT Level 1.
Can my twelve-year-old camper do TOL?↓
In some cases, we have allowed twelve-year-olds to participate in TOL but they are not able to register for a CIT program until they are thirteen.
Do the different sites have different CIT requirements?↓
We offer TOL at all (Durham County, Orange County, and Wake County) camp locations to have our program be as accessible as possible. Our TOL weeks offer the same programming and mentoring at all sites, and CITs can work at any of the sites once they have completed a week of TOL.
How does a CIT get promoted to the next level?↓
CITs have the opportunity to be promoted the summer after they participate in TOL. CITs can work on different leadership skills like leading games or activities, connecting with campers, and supporting their counselors. Our counselors and coordinators give feedback so they know what to work on. This process may take many summers but we are dedicated in working with your teens to achieve higher CIT levels.
How do the CIT levels work?↓
Level 1 CITs are expected to connect with campers, assist with program supplies, lead games as they feel ready, and begin to help counselors with group management. They will receive support from counselors on how to step into leadership roles and receive feedback throughout the program. Level 1 CITs have a reduced fee for programming. Level 2 CITs have more responsibilities and are held to expectations similar to a counselor. Level 2 CITs are expected to lead groups in various ways, participate in program planning, and look for ways they can step up in the community. They will receive feedback throughout the program on how to develop their leadership skills. Registration is required to be a Level 2 CIT but they are volunteers (no registration fee). Level 3 CITs are paid a stipend and are typically able to perform similarly as a support counselor but may not administer first aid and are not the ones handling difficult situations. They are able to offer guidance to Level 1s and 2s and even start leading larger portions of camp with guidance from counselors.
Who do I contact with questions about the CIT process?↓
You can always camp@piedmontwildlifecenter.org with any CIT questions.
Field Trips↓
How do I get to Leigh Farm Park?↓
Piedmont Wildlife Center is located in Leigh Farm Park in Durham. Address: 364 Leigh Farm Rd, Durham NC 27707. Directions via Google Maps.
What is the suggested arrival time for our program to start on time/stay on schedule?↓
We suggest arriving 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time of your program. If you have a large group, young students, or are traveling from over an hour away, we suggest arriving 30 minutes before your program in order to allow for a bathroom break.
We are arriving in a large bus. Where should we park?↓
If your bus is smaller than a normal school bus, please park in the parking lot to your left once you enter the park. Otherwise, please follow the map attached to your confirmation email and park at the front of the park. PLEASE NOTE: if you continue down the paved road past the parking lot, there is no turn around for buses. Please inform your bus drivers prior to arrival. If your bus is a charter bus, we suggest you park anywhere alongside the two-lane road before entering Leigh Farm Park and then walk to the Visitor’s Center. Our roads are narrow and charter buses cannot make the turn into the parking lot.
Parents are driving students separately. Where should they park?↓
We have several parking spots in the Visitor Center’s parking lot on your left as you enter Leigh Farm Park. Any additional cars may park alongside the road leading into the park.
What should the students bring with them?↓
Students should bring their masks, refillable water bottles and wear closed toe shoes. Prepare for the weather as your program will take place entirely outside. Rain jackets, sunscreen, and bug spray are all highly suggested items to bring for an outdoor field trip!
What should my group expect?↓
Because we will be outside the entire time, bug spray is highly suggested as ticks, mosquitoes, and biting/stinging insects do live on our property. When hiking trails, poison ivy may also be seen. Our trails are unpaved, uneven paths where most hazards are avoided. It is important to remember we will be fully immersed in nature where several species call home. Remember, if it does rain prior to your program, our trails may be muddy! Due to the limited size of our educational cabin, we do not have public restrooms. We do have port-o-potties on site for bathroom breaks.
Is there a place to have lunch? What are some local lunch spots that can accommodate buses?↓
Give us a call to talk about options for lunch! We have a few picnic tables on site, but since this is a city park they may be occupied during your visit. There are a couple shopping centers nearby with several quick restaurants. If traveling from the east, we also recommend Umstead State Park or Crabtree County Park (right off I-40) for covered picnic shelters.
How many chaperones can we bring?↓
We do not have a minimum number of chaperones, however, you know your group best and how many will work best for you. With 30 students, four chaperones can attend for free. One free chaperone is permitted per 8 students after 30. Any additional chaperones will be counted as additional participants in the program.
What are the expectations of teachers/chaperones?↓
We want you to have a great time on your field trip too! Most chaperones that attend are grateful for the chance to connect back to nature, even if just for an hour! Please ask the instructors any questions and feel free to participate in the program. We do ask that teachers and chaperones be mindful of their students’ behavior and outline expectations beforehand. While the instructor is teaching the program, it’s always helpful to have an extra hand in the audience helping with crowd control.
If I have a large group of students that plan to be split into groups, should they be split up before we arrive?↓
If students are split into groups prior to arrival, this allows your program to start on time, especially if you have a large group.
What do I do if my group is running late?↓
Call PWC as soon as you know you will be running late! We will be able to teach your program for the remainder of the scheduled time once you arrive for no additional late fee. If our schedule allows us to extend your program past the official end time, there is a $25/half hour charge.
What happens if there is traffic on I-40?↓
Please keep in mind that Piedmont Wildlife Center is located right off of I-40 in Durham. Planning to be at PWC 15 minutes prior to the start of your program allows time for most traffic on the highway. If your program is scheduled early in the morning, please take into consideration that traffic is heavier during morning hours. If your group is late due to traffic, please notify us as soon as possible. Our late policy (see above) applies to traffic delays.
My weather app is saying rain is in the forecast. How will I know if the program is cancelled?↓
Piedmont Wildlife Center’s cancellation policy is to reschedule a program because of weather by 5PM the day before. However, if your program is scheduled for the afternoon, we may ask that we wait until the morning of to make a final call. We will keep an open line of communication when inclement weather is forecasted. Refunds are not issued due to weather, but we will make our best effort to reschedule your field trip.
If we arrive and it starts to rain, will the program be rescheduled?↓
If your program has not been cancelled, your program will occur as scheduled, rain or shine. We have a limited amount of indoor space, so this would only apply to smaller groups. If the rain will pass, we will teach the indoor portion of your program (usually the animal program) and then head out after the rain. If it’s lightly raining, we will still lead the outdoor portion of your field trip. Please remember to dress for the weather!
Homeschool↓
What can my homeschooler expect from your program?↓
We offer an outdoor experience with like-minded children to socialize through games, explore, and cultivate a presence within our woods. Through their own experiences they will learn awareness of their surroundings, focus, nature skills and arts, community building, and how to let the natural world be their teacher.↓
What should my child bring to homeschool in the wild?↓
Your child should bring a backpack with a change of clothes, a multi layered, properly fitting mask, an extra pair of shoes, a non-perishable snack & lunch, and a full water bottle.↓
Is there anything my child should not bring to homeschool in the wild?↓
Please do not bring electronics (iPads, Tablets, Nintendo Switches, etc.), cell phones, or toys. We find these items to be disruptive to the flow of the programs.↓
What should my child wear to homeschool in the wild?↓
Your child should be dressed comfortably for the weather and for being active. Layered clothing is best for cooler days. We recommend a waterproof sandal/shoe that is secure on the foot. Footwear that slips off easily can get stuck in the mud.↓
Can I spend a day at homeschool with my child?↓
If your camper would feel more comfortable, you are welcome to attend the first day of the season and help them get settled in. If you stay, you will need to sign our COVID-19 Waiver and pass our health screening. After the first day, we ask that you will not attend so that campers can build their connections with other campers and grow their independence. If you have any concerns about your child's needs being met without you there, please contact camp@piedmontwildlifecenter.org before the season begins.↓
Will my child enjoy the summer camps offered at piedmont wildlife center?↓
From our experiences, the children who enjoy the homeschool program continue to find pleasure in our summer camps. Our summer camp programs include all of the experiences offered in our homeschool programs.↓
Who do I call if I am late picking up my child?↓
Please call our office at 919-489-0900 if you are late or need to communicate any information regarding your child.↓
What happens if I miss a day of homeschool?↓
If you miss a day of homeschool, you may make it up during the current season only. We are not able to credit or refund for missed days after the season or in case of reasons out of our control that force us to cancel a day.↓
Can I "drop-in" to the homeschool program for a daily fee?↓
There is no 'drop-in' option for any of our homeschool programs; however, you may contact us to see if space is available to try the first day of each session or half session. The fee for that will be counted towards admission fees if you do decide to sign up for the session.↓
Are there payment plans for my child's tuition?↓
Payment plans are available. All payments must be fulfilled before the first day of homeschool.↓
