Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve

Providing interpretive education on wetlands and wildlife, panoramic views, water quality, weather, natural resource management, trails, bird watching, recreation, exhibits, displays and an eagles nest, Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve is a treasure of the Hillsboro community.

Groups on Their Own

Guidelines for Groups Visiting Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve on Their Own


• Any group of more than 10 people must call ahead and schedule their visit with Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve staff.

• To help minimize impacts on the Preserve and on other visitors, groups may not exceed 50 participants at one time.  If the group is a class or camp, 50 students/campers are allowed, PLUS adult chaperones.  We ask for a ratio of 1 chaperone for every 5 children because of ponds, marshes and river hazards.

• Please park in the designated Bus Parking Only area in the parking lot.

• When at the Preserve, adult leaders/chaperones are required to be with the children at all times.  Children must have an adult with them when exploring the Preserve.

• There is stinging nettle, poison oak and poison hemlock growing in different areas around the Preserve.  Please make sure you know these plants and familiarize children and other members of your group with them.

• Please stay on the trails so sensitive habitat and nesting areas are not damaged.

• Please leave plants, animals and other natural objects for others to enjoy.

• Please use nature observation skills, such as lowered voices, walking quietly, moving slowly, using senses such as sight, hearing, smelling.

• Please be respectful of other visitors at the Preserve.  Running and making a lot of noise can frighten wildlife and spoils the experience for visitors who are here to watch birds and other wildlife, do photography, or just enjoy some quiet time in the natural world.

• Please arrange to pack out any garbage you generate while you are here.  We do not have public waste cans on the Preserve.

• When visiting the Exhibit Hall, please walk, enjoy the hands-on exhibits and leave food and drink outside.

• Children must be supervised if they visit the Nature Store.

There is a suggested donation of $2.00 for those 10 years of age and above when visiting the Exhibit Hall.