Daniel Stowe Conservancy Code of Conduct
Daniel Stowe Conservancy is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, inclusive and respectful environment for all guests, members, staff and volunteers. By entering the property, guests agree to abide by the following Code of Conduct as well as any posted rules, signage or directions provided by Stowe staff.
Safety + Natural Environment
Stowe is an outdoor environment and contains natural areas including gardens, wooded trails, open landscapes, water features and play spaces. Guests should be aware of and prepared for the ordinary risks associated with outdoor spaces including but not limited to uneven surfaces, steep slopes, tree limbs, insects, birds, reptiles (including venomous snakes), other wildlife and changing or inclement weather. Guests are responsible for taking appropriate precautions to ensure their own safety and the safety of those in their care.
Feeding, touching, harassing, removing or harming any wildlife including birds, insects, reptiles (including venomous snakes) and aquatic life is strictly prohibited. Removal of any plants, for any reason, from Daniel Stowe Conservancy property is strictly prohibited without written approval from the VP, Gardens and Natural Resources.
Respectful Conduct
All guests, staff and volunteers have the right to enjoy Stowe free from abusive, threatening, discriminatory or inappropriate behavior. This includes but is not limited to the use of derogatory, offensive or hateful language or actions related to another person's race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity/expression, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation or national origin.
Members and guests are expected to respect Garden hours and property access. Stowe is a 380-acre property, and while our Guest Services team makes every effort to ensure all guests have exited before closing, it is each guest's responsibility to depart the property by the posted closing time, including the Gardens, trails and retail spaces. Guests who remain on the property after closing will be considered trespassing. View current hours here.
Stowe reserves the right to determine what constitutes unacceptable behavior and to take any action permitted by law including removal from the property, revocation of membership privileges without refund and, when appropriate, reporting incidents to law enforcement. Repeated violations of this code of conduct may result in permanent loss of visitor privileges.
Prohibited Items + Activities
Weapons and firearms of any kind are strictly prohibited on Stowe property except as permitted by law for authorized personnel.
Unauthorized events, gatherings, rallies, demonstrations, protests, leafletting or similar activities are not permitted.
Unauthorized solicitations of any kind—commercial, religious, educational, political or otherwise—are prohibited without prior written approval from Stowe.
False self-representation of any vendor, volunteer or former staff member as a current, paid employee of Daniel Stowe Conservancy is prohibited. Only authorized, current staff members of Stowe may enact or enforce policies or make official statements regarding events or incidents occurring on Stowe property.
The sale, display, or promotion of goods or services is prohibited without prior written approval, including hosting paid classes or experiences.
Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited on Daniel Stowe Conservancy property and may result in guests being asked to leave. Outside food is not allowed in the Gardens.
Dogs are not allowed in the Gardens at Stowe. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails and paths outside of the Gardens, at the Trailhead store porch, Farmhouse Garden Center porch and may be unleashed in the Dog Park. Trained service animals which perform life functions for those with disabilities are permitted to enter the Gardens at Stowe, in compliance with ADA regulations. Service animals are not granted access to the Butterfly Bungalow exhibit.
For the safety and wellbeing of pets, animals may not be left unattended in vehicles for extended periods of time, during hot or warm weather or if the animal appears distressed. Stowe reserves the right to intervene and take appropriate action if a pet's health or safety appears to be at risk.
Vehicles + Property Use
Vehicle traffic is limited to designated roadways and parking areas. Driving or parking on pedestrian paths, lawns, gardens or planted areas is strictly prohibited. Parking areas are reserved for Stowe visitors, staff and authorized vendors only. Overnight parking is not permitted. Any vehicles left overnight without authorization may be towed.
Daniel Stowe Conservancy has a site-wide maximum vehicular speed limit of 17 mph on all roadways.
Motorized vehicles of any kind, including battery powered bicycles, one-wheels, and ATVs, are prohibited from all Daniel Stowe Conservancy trails. Non-motorized bikes, scooters, and skateboards are not permitted inside the Gardens. Bikes are only permitted on trails outside of the Gardens. Approved motorized wheelchairs are allowed as required by law.
Guests, staff and volunteers are expected to respect gardens, facilities, exhibits, play structures and all Stowe property. Damage, vandalism or misuse of property is prohibited.
Membership + Compliance
Membership benefits are valid only for the individual(s) listed on the membership and may require presentation of a membership card and photo ID. Verification of proof of residency may be requested by staff at their discretion. Membership privileges may be suspended or revoked for violations of this Code of Conduct.
Enforcement
All guests are subject to posted notices, event-specific rules and the direction, supervision and guidance of Stowe staff. Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct may result in removal from the property without refund, revocation of membership without refund and/or further action as permitted by law.
