Rules and Policies — Nature Friends LA

Club Policies

Nature Friends LA Usage Policies

Part 1 Event i.e. “Daytime” Usage Policies

Part 2: Overnight Stay Usage Policies

Part 1: Event i.e. “Daytime” Usage Policies

To ensure a safe, peaceful, and respectful environment for all guests and members, please follow these rules while using the Nature Friends LA Clubhouse and surrounding property.

Membership requirement

The person booking an event or overnight stay must be a current member of Nature Friends LA or another official Nature Friends branch.

Membership must be active at both the time of booking and on the date of the stay.

General Conduct & Behavior

Keep It Clean: All facilities must be left in the same condition in which they were found. This includes:
- Garbage properly disposed of in bear-proof bins.
- Dishes washed, dried, and returned to their proper place.
- Moved furniture returned to its original location.
- Windows/doors closed and lights off.
Pack It In, Pack It Out: Remove all belongings and leftover food. Please do not leave behind unsolicited “donations” of materials or food.
No Illegal Substances: Use or possession of illegal drugs is prohibited.

Facility Access & Use

Default Setup/Breakdown for Events: Setup begins at 8 AM on the event day and breakdown must be completed by 12 PM the following day, unless otherwise arranged.
Use of Equipment & Fixtures: All fixtures and equipment are provided as-is. Do not reprogram, alter, or disassemble any fixtures, electronics, or systems without permission from the Director of Operations or Caretaker. The damage or misuse of equipment will be subject to repair/replacement fees.

Fire Safety & Smoking

NO Smoking or Vaping anywhere on the property.
Fire Usage: All open flames must be pre approved.
- Generally Allowed: propane fire pit, propane grills, charcoal grill (designated outdoor areas only), LED Candles.
- Never allowed: wood and all other ember-producing fires, flame candles.
Fire Safety Equipment: Fire extinguishers and blankets are for fire emergencies. Tampering with alarms or safety gear will result in a $500 penalty.

5. Kitchen & Bar Use

Kitchen access is available with a paid kitchen fee.
Dormitory guests may use the kitchen for basic meal prep during their stay.
Clean the space after use, and do not leave food unattended.
Guests under 18 must be supervised by an adult.
All kitchen usage is at your own risk (e.g., cuts, burns, etc.).

6. Trash, Recycling, and Waste

Bear-Proof Trash Bins: For food waste and mixed trash—located near kitchen and parking areas.
Recycling: Use blue bins for dry, clean recyclables only (no food or liquid residue). These are not bear-proof.
Green Waste: Place green clippings and plant debris in green bins.
Leftover Food: Must be taken with you unless cleared with the Caretaker. Spoiled food invites bears—you will be held liable for any damages caused by wildlife.

7. Alcohol Serving Policy

The serving and consumption of alcohol must follow these strict guidelines:

Age Verification: Legal drinking age must be enforced.
Moderation and Refusal of Service: Hosts must monitor consumption. No excessive drinking. Hosts must stop serving anyone visibly intoxicated.
Behavior: Disruptive, loud, or aggressive behavior will result in immediate removal.
Designated Areas Only: Alcohol may only be consumed on clubhouse property—not in the dormitory or public access areas like Yucca Trail or Woodland Drive. Nor shall it be consumed in the Club’s large parking lot on Woodland/Sunnyside without permission.
Non-Alcoholic Options: Water and other non-alcoholic beverages must be provided.
Safe Transport: Require and help attain the use of ride-shares or taxis for inebriated guests.
Trained Servers: Staff serving alcohol should be trained in responsible service and have current alcohol server licenses.

8. Noise, Parking & Event Logistics

Noise Limit: Live music, amplified sound, or drums must be reduced in volume by 10:30 PM in accordance with current Sierra Madre Sound Ordinances.
Parking: Do not block Yucca Trail or Woodland Dr. Limited on-site parking (~20 cars). Overflow parking and shuttle services to and from the property are your responsibility.
Signage: No signs may be posted on public property (the streets) without a permit (per Sierra Madre ordinance). Unauthorized signage may result in fines.

9. Children & Pets

Children 10 and under must be supervised at all times and their care and safety is the responsibility of the parents/guardians. The Club does not provide childcare services or babysitting in any form.
Parents/guardians will be held financially accountable for all damages caused by any child they bring on to the property.
There is no event charge for children under 6.
Pets are not allowed inside buildings, with the exception of service animals. Outdoor pets must be leashed and away from high-traffic areas and in general good behavior at all times.

10. Payment & Pricing

Payment Due: One week prior to the event. Credit/debit cards accepted. Checks accepted from local members only. No cash payments.
Price Changes: Rates may change without notice, but Nature Friends LA will honor the price posted at time of booking for up to 12 months, provided a date is set, a reservation fee is paid, and the agreement is signed.

12. Limitation of Services

Basic Services Provided: Electricity, water/sewer, and trash removal. Basic cleaning supplies and necessities such as toilette paper, paper towels will be supplied.
Courtesy Services Not Guaranteed: Items such as Wi-Fi, housekeeping, table linens, or temperature control may not be consistently available.
Guests are expected to report any disruption of services immediately.
What you see is what you get. We are happy to take your requests for improvement or upgrades, but the Club is under no obligation to honor specific requests. Our pricing is based on the property’s condition as is, not how you wish for it to be.