Rules of the BITH Field Research Station

Rules Governing Overnight Use

Individuals and/or groups who wish to stay overnight in the facility shall provide a tangible benefit to the Preserve.  Examples of activities that meet this criterion include performance of inventories, monitoring and/or research that improves our understanding of the Big Thicket region; curriculum-based educational activities that teach students about the resources and values of the Big Thicket region; and volunteer projects that enhance the resources and values of the Preserve. 

Individuals and/or groups who use the center while conducting research in the Preserve shall provide the preserve with a final copy of any reports related to their research. Individuals and/or groups that who use the Station for the purpose of environmental education must provide the preserve with a copy of the written material that facilitated their field study.  All Research Station users are also strongly encouraged to provide the preserve with any incidental observations that they believe may benefit preserve management.  Examples of valuable incidental observations include sightings of rare species, documentation of threats to Preserve resources, and noteworthy natural history observations.  

We recognize that there will be times when demand for overnight use of the Station exceeds capacity.  To avoid potential conflicts, the following schedule of priorities (listed in descending order) will govern overnight use:

1. Individuals and/or groups who are conducting inventories, monitoring and/or research activities with full or partial financial support from the National Park Service. Professors will have priority over graduate students; graduate students will have priority over undergraduate students.

2. Individuals and/or groups who are conducting inventories, monitoring and/or
research activities without financial support from the National Park Service.
Professors will have priority over graduate students; graduate students will have priority over undergraduate students.

3. University classes that are visiting the Big Thicket for the purpose of environmental education and field study. 

4. Groups and/or individuals engaged in volunteer service projects. 

5. Other educational groups by special permission.

FACILITY DESCRIPTION

The FRS offers two dormitories, each equipped with ten bunk beds, lockers, and storage drawers.  Light blankets, sheets, pillows, and towels are available.  There are restrooms with showers.  There is washer / dryer equipment. 

The kitchen is equipped with range, microwave, dishwasher, two refrigerators, storage cabinets, cooking and eating utensils.  An ice-machine is available.  The lunchroom seats 16 persons at four tables. 

One large classroom provides 16 tables (4'x8').  Chairs seat 64.  Equipment available includes VCR, slide, overhead, and power-point projectors, flip chart stand, and white boards.

The FRS provides a small laboratory and field guide library.

OVERNIGHT USE FEE: 

Groups and individuals using the facility overnight will be charged $5.00 / individual.  Fees will not be charged for day-use Preserve activities such as environmental education classes and teacher workshops.  The Big Thicket Association can bill institutions for overnight fees.

Housekeeping:

1.  Leave rooms in order -- tables, chairs, etc. in place
2.  Maintain clean kitchen and bathroom facilities
3.  Strip beds and place sheets in hamper when leaving
4.  Empty trash in large trash bins
5.  Turn off lights and appliances when not in use.
6.  Outside doors must be locked with keys; they do not close automatically.  Always  
lock doors when building is not occupied.