The Bernard Field Station of the Claremont Colleges (BFS) is a common-use facility of the Claremont University Consortium, serving the teaching and research needs of students, faculty, and staff of all of The Claremont Colleges, primarily as an outdoor laboratory for biology and environmental science.
Supervised educational use by community groups is permitted provided that the proposed activities will not harm the habitat, plants, animals, or ecological function of the BFS nor interfere with its current or future use for Claremont Colleges’ research or instruction. All group leaders must complete and submit a Community Educational Use Application and agree to comply with all specific BFS regulations. The BFS Manager will inform the group leader that the request has been approved, denied, or approved with conditions. If the application is approved, the official group representative must sign the Use Agreement, submit the signed agreement and certificate of insurance to the office of the Chief Executive Officer of the Claremont University Consortium in advance of the proposed activity, and make the final arrangements with the BFS Manager for access to the station and supervision during the activity.
If your group would like to use the BFS, please contact the BFS Manager to discuss your proposed activity before submitting a formal application.
APPROPRIATE USE: The BFS may be used for educational or research purposes only. The BFS may not be used for any commercial purpose, including commercial photography, without prior written permission from CUC. The BFS is not a recreational facility. In particular, running or jogging, recreational bicycling, fishing, overnight use, and bringing dogs or other domestic animals onto the station are strictly prohibited. As a matter of policy, collecting is not allowed on the BFS. Exceptions to this policy require appropriate collecting permits, and they must be approved in advance by the Faculty Advisory Committee.
COMPREHENSIVE OR COMMERCIAL INSURANCE: Outside groups using the BFS must have comprehensive or Commercial General Liability Insurance that includes coverage for bodily injury and property damage, with a combined single limit of not less than $1 million for each occurrence and $3 million aggregate covering the proposed activities and naming Claremont University Consortium as an additional insured. You will need to provide a certificate of insurance to the office of the Chief Executive Officer of the Claremont University Consortium. The detailed legal specifications for the required insurance are in the Use Agreement.
INDEMNIFICATION AND HOLD HARMLESS: The authorized representative of any outside group using the BFS must sign an agreement to hold Claremont University Consortium harmless from any claims, actions, suits, or other liability for property damage, injury, or death, except for active negligence or willful misconduct of Claremont University Consortium. The legally binding wording for this waiver is in the Use Agreement.
ENTRY: Enter the BFS by the gate at Amherst Ave on Foothill Blvd. The Manager or another designated representative will meet you and let you in the gate. Register your group on the forms at the gate each time that you enter the BFS. Be sure to include your reason for entering, the name of your group, number of people in your group, and the time that you enter and leave.
DRIVING ON THE BFS: Driving on the BFS is to be minimized. In general, vehicles should be driven on the station only when to transport heavy or bulky equipment or to transport people who would have difficulty walking to the study site. All vehicles, including buses, cars, and bicycles, must stay on dirt or paved roads within the BFS; driving on or through native vegetation is forbidden.
PARKING ON THE BFS: If it is necessary to drive on the BFS, transport the passengers or equipment to the site, then park ONLY along Mills or Foothill or in the areas indicated on the map below. All roadways inside the BFS are firelanes, and they MUST be kept clear at all times so a fire truck can pass unhindered. Do not park in the circle in front of the old infirmary; the only fire hydrant on the BFS is there. Never park on native vegetation. Do not park in front of the gate.
SMOKING AND FIRES: Smoking and fires of any kind are prohibited without exception, at all times, on every part of the BFS.
FACILITIES:
APPROPRIATE ATTIRE: The BFS terrain is rocky, brushy, and sometimes muddy. Poison oak occurs on the station, and many plants have spines, prickles, or thorns. Dress for safety and comfort by wearing hiking shoes, boots, or athletic shoes. Sandals or heels are not acceptable. Shorts are not recommended. Wear a hat and sunscreen if you will be on the station for an extended time or in the middle of the day. Clothing in muted colors such as browns, grays, and khaki will minimize disturbance to wildlife.
FIELD ETIQUETTE: The BFS is shared by many users as well as the plant and animal inhabitants. Please observe common field etiquette:
Approved 10 June 2002
by the BFS Faculty Advisory Committee