Van Scott Nature Reserve Rules for Visitors

ANNOUNCEMENT: For your safety, the Van Scott Nature Reserve will be closed to the public from November 30th through December 14th during hunting season (regular firearms). Thank you for your cooperation.

Please help us protect nature and wildlife by observing the following rules during your visit. The Van Scott Nature Reserve is open from sunrise until sunset and vehicles may not be parked at the Reserve outside of operating hours. Use of the Van Scott Nature Reserve is at your own risk.

• Take only pictures, leave only footprints. Please leave what you find on the trails and do not remove or disturb any plants or trees. Do not feed or approach wildlife.
• To avoid disturbing sensitive wildlife habitat, stay on the marked trails.
• Leave no trace. Pack out what you bring in and please do not litter.
• Respect our neighbors—observe the property boundary and stay within the Van Scott Nature Reserve.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• Enjoy pedestrian use of the trails. To prevent erosion, no mountain bikes, e-bikes, or motorized vehicles are allowed on the trails, except for mobility devices. Equestrian use is not permitted.
• Help us protect clean water and wildlife, including ground-nesting birds and turtles. Leashed dogs are allowed only on designated and marked trails on the Reserve. Dogs must remain on the leash (maximum 6 feet length) at all times and waste must be picked up and disposed of properly. Don't take this privilege away from your dog—please follow the rules. Leashes and bags are available at the dog station.
• For your safety and to protect water quality, no swimming.
• If you see litter, please pick it up and place it in the trash receptacles located by the trail kiosk.
• The following are prohibited except by written permission, a permit issued by the Conservancy, or during Conservancy-sponsored events:
  • Hunting or fishing.
  • Use of drones.
  • Commercial photography. The Van Scott Nature Reserve is a beautiful location for photography. We welcome visitor photos for personal use. A permit issued by the Conservancy is required for any commercial photography or video shoots, wedding, and portrait photography. Read the Photography Policy or Apply for a Permit »
  • Camping or fires.
  • Alcohol.
• Groups of 10 or more are asked to register in advance with the Conservancy.  Request Form for Group Use of Property »
• Respect wildlife and be considerate of other visitors and staff!