Filled out Medical Form and Liability Waiver:  The medical information is only used so that field trip leaders and professional medical help will be aware of pertinent medical history should something happen. You won't be able to tell us important information (background, allergies, pre-existing conditions) if you are unconscious.

Medications that you may need:  We may be up to 2 hours away from professional medical help so you must bring any medications that you need including epinephrine injections and antihistamine (such as Benedryl) if you are allergic to bee stings or bug bites etc.

Sturdy lace-up shoes:  We will be getting out of the canoes and exploring shallow water, marsh and beach habitats. You need to have shoes that will stay on in thick mud and that will protect your feet from sharp barnacles and other shells, wood and even broken glass. Sandals, flip-flops and Tevas will not be permitted on field trips. Teva type sandals do not protect the sides and tops of your feet from sharp objects and the Velcro often comes undone when in the mud. Old sneakers work the best. Old dive booties and water shoes are OK as long as they are tight enough to stay on your feet in the mud.

Shoes and Clothes that can get wet and muddy:  Old bathing suits are great to have on under your clothes in case you get wet or take a swim.

Extra Clothes:  Bring an extra sweatshirt in the spring and fall because it's always colder on the water than it is in your backyard.

Change of Clothes:  You may want to bring a towel and an extra T-shirt, pants, shorts etc. to change into when the field trip is over. You may be wet and muddy at the end of the trip.

At least 1 liter of water per person (more in the summer):  It's always good to have a lot of water with you because canoeing can be very strenuous. Soda of any sort is not a good hydrating beverage in the field.

Lunch and snacks:  CBNERRVA does not provide any food on field trips. Bring extra snacks to power you through the day.

Sun protection:  Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, light-colored clothing to keep the sun off. We may be in full sun for 8 hours. You will need protection no matter how deep your tan already is.

Bug Clothes:  It is always a great idea to bring a pair of lightweight pants, a lightweight long sleeve T-shirt and a hat to wear in case we are attacked by bugs. Clothing works 100% better than insect repellant sprays.

Rain Gear: Optional.  Odds are that we will turn back if it begins to rain too hard or too long so rain gear is optional.

Watertight container:  CBNERRVA will have limited space in watertight containers to carry your lunch and gear. You will want to put your stuff in a cooler, a bucket or something else that will keep it from getting wet from spray, rain or the water sloshing around your canoe.