Membership FAQ

An image of people walking on the Fontenelle Forest boardwalk.

Questions? Read our Membership FAQ below or call 402-731-3140. 


IMPORTANT:
All members must sign in to renew a membership or receive a member discount on program or event registration.
The sign-in option will become available in the top-right corner of your screen upon clicking the membership type you want to purchase or renew. Click here to sign in or create an account

 

I am a member, and I am having trouble logging in.

Members must sign in to access a member account. The sign-in option will become available in the top-right corner of your screen upon clicking the program you would like to register for or clicking the membership type you want to purchase or renew.

Please note that our online system is “smart.” It does not ask for a Member ID #. Instead, it scans the personal information (email, address and phone number) you provide during your transaction, connects to your member record and renews your membership. If you have moved and you provide new information or are using an email address that is different from the email originally provided when you set up your account, it will not connect to your original membership history. Please call 402-731-3140 so we can update your record. 

If you have moved and provide new information, it will not connect to your original membership history.  

If you have updated your contact information and are still having trouble logging in, please call Visitor Services at 402-731-3140. 

My discount is not showing on my online order.

Members must sign in to use discount. Member discounts are applied automatically and will not appear until check out.  

The sign-in option will become available in the top-right corner of your screen upon clicking the program you would like to register for or clicking the membership type you want to purchase or renew.

If using a discount code, please apply it when signing up for a program. The discount will not be reflected until check out.  

Please note that our online system is “smart.” It does not ask for a Member ID #. Instead, it scans the personal information (email, address and phone number) you provide during your transaction, connects to your member record and renews your membership. If you have moved and you provide new information or are using an email address that is different from the email originally provided when you set up your account, it will not connect to your original membership history. Please call 402-731-3140 so we can update your record. 

How do I give a membership as a gift?

Giving the gift of a Fontenelle Forest membership is a unique way to share your love of nature with family and friends.  

Check the “This membership is a gift” box when you are registering your gift recipient. Next, you will fill out contact information for yourself and the gift recipient, include a gift message (optional), and choose where to mail the gift membership 

Can I purchase a membership to be active at a future date?

No, all memberships are activated upon purchase.  

What is a Patron membership?

Upgrading your standard membership to a Patron membership is a great way to deepen your support of the Forest. 

Patron memberships include the same benefits as our standard membership levels, as well as supplemental day passes and an additional discount in the gift shop when you join and every time you renew. There are various levels of Patron membership, allowing you to customize the level of support you wish to provide to the Forest.

How do I renew my existing membership?

Members must sign in to renew an existing membership 

If you renew early, your membership will be extended one year (12 months) from your original expiration date. (For example: If you renew two months early you will have two months left on your existing membership, plus 12 months on your renewed membership.) 

If you renew after the expiration date, your membership will begin on the date of purchase and end one year (12 months) from date of purchase (on the last day of that month).  

Save time and paper by choosing our auto-renew option!
A convenient auto-renew option is now available and further supports the Forest’s mission of sustainability. Simply choose the auto-renew option when purchasing or renewing your membership.  

Does Fontenelle Forest offer a discount for early renewals?

Fontenelle Forest no longer offers a discount for renewing early. As a private nonprofit, the Forest relies heavily on support from annual memberships and daily admissions to support our mission of conservation, education and recreation. Despite rising costs, the Forest has not increased membership or admission costs in several years. Discontinuing the early renewal discount allowed us to avoid raising membership prices this year. We appreciate your understanding and support.

When will I receive my membership card(s)?

If you sign up online, your membership cards will be sent in the mail within 2 weeks of purchase. Your membership is active upon purchase. If you wish to visit before receiving your membership cards, please check in using another form of identification.  

If you’re renewing your membership, you will not receive new membership cards. Your existing cards will be reactivated. If you need to replace your membership card(s), please call visitor services at (402) 731-3140 

What is a plus-one add-on?

A plus-one add-on enables members to bring one (1) additional unnamed guest each time they visit the Forest. This option is available exclusively to members for an additional fee and is valid for the duration of your annual membership (must be renewed annually).  

Children on a household membership are members by default. However, if a nanny or babysitter will be bringing children on household membership, you must purchase an add-on for that individual. 

What is a member fob?

A member fob is a small key fob that provides electronic access to trails via the main member gate outside of regular Nature Center business hours. Fob hours vary throughout the year, depending on time of sunrise and sunset. Monthly hours are posted at our main member gate and all fob users receive a convenient, pocket-sized print out. Monthly hours can also be accessed on our website homepage under the red Alerts button.  

Fob keys can only be purchased in-person at our Visitor Services desk during regular Nature Center hours. This option is available exclusively to members for a one-time additional fee. Member fobs renew with your membership for no additional fee. 

You may purchase one fob for every member. For example, individual members can purchase one fob. A two-individuals membership can purchase two fobs.

Please note – per our Trail Guidelines: Trails are open sunrise to sunset. Parking lots close at dark. All members and guests are required to follow these guidelines. View the full list of trail guidelines here.   

How can I set up my membership to renew automatically?

Members can choose to sign up for the auto-renewal option when purchasing or renewing a membership. This gives the Forest permission to charge their credit card automatically when their membership is set to expire, automatically renewing the membership for another twelve (12) months.  

Will I receive a renewal notice before I am charged?

Renewal notices will be sent to members one month before to tell them their membership is about to expire and that their credit card will be charged automatically. They will not need to take further action. 

Will an auto-renewing membership be charged the same even if pricing changes?

If we increase our membership prices, your credit card will be charged the new price upon auto-renewal. You will receive a notice of the price change prior to being charged.  

How do I cancel an automatically renewing membership?

To cancel your automatically renewing membership, please call Visitor Services at 402731-3140. 

I am interested in scheduling a corporate membership drive for my organization.

Please contact us directly at info@fontenelleforest.org or by calling (402) 731-3140 for more information.  

Fontenelle Forest is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt nonprofit.

Make a tax deductible donation NOW

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