Nature Etiquette

The Chattanooga Arboretum and Nature Center is a nature preserve.  To ensure the safety of all their inhabitants and to provide the best experience possible for our visitors, we ask that you show your respect by observing the following guidelines:

Children under 12 must be accompanied at all times by an adult. 

Stay on designated trails and behind safety fences to preserve the habitat for plants and animals that make their homes in the woods, fields and gardens, as well as to protect you from poison ivy and other potentially harmful things.

Keep noise level at a minimum to get better views of wildlife and to ensure that other visitors can enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Enjoy watching the animals, but please do not feed them. The captive animals are fed special diets and will become ill if they eat other things.  Wild animals will lose their ability to find their own food and will become dependent upon humans.

Please do not smoke anywhere on the property.

Dispose of trash and recyclables in the appropriate containers at the Visitor Center.

Enjoy looking at the plants, but please do not pick them. They provide food and habitat for wildlife and enjoyment for those who follow you.

Pets are not allowed on the property.

Picnic lunches are encouraged, but to reduce impact on the land, please eat at designated areas only.