LEADERSHIP ACTIONS ON DEI LESSONS ENGAGEMENT BY REFLECTIONS FINANCIAL ADVICE FOR NEW AWARDS & ANTI-RACISM LEARNED FROM PUBLISHING ON REOPENING PLANNING IN THE DIRECTORS 1-4 7-11 CRISIS BOOKS 17-18 PROFESSION 22-23 12-14 15-16 19-21

DirectionsJournal of the Association of Nature Center Administrators // Summer 2020 Andrea Timpone Receives 2020 Nature Center Leadership Award NCA IS PLEASED to an- since then. A nounce Andrea Timpone Under Timpone’s leadership, as recipient of the 2020 Nature Elachee has grown from humble Center Leadership Award. Tim- beginnings to an exceptional insti- pone has led a remarkable career, tution that serves approximately and this award acknowledges her 35,000 schoolchildren throughout exceptional commitment and con- northern Georgia, encompasses tributions to the nature center pro- Elachee Nature Academy that fession, as well as her invaluable includes a Nature Preschool and leadership at Elachee Nature Nature Kindergarten-1st Grade Andrea Timpone Science Center for 35 years. programs, hosts camps and pub- Timpone began her career in lic programs, and preserves over ly to the profession of nature and environmental education in 1979, 1,900 acres while maintaining con- environmental learning centers; working as an interpretive natu- servation projects that have earned Elachee was one of the founding ralist at Panola Mountain State the status of National Audubon members of ANCA in 1989 and Park in Georgia. In 1981 she joined Important Bird Area and part of Timpone has proven generous to Tumbling Waters, a residential the national Old-Growth Forest the ANCA community, serving on camp near Clayton, Ga. In 1985 Network. In 1998, Elachee became two ANCA Peer Consults and as a she became Elachee Nature Sci- the first nature center in the south- mentor in the ANCA Mentor Pro- ence Center’s first employee as an east to earn the prestigious status gram. Under her guidance Elachee instructor, six years after the orga- of SACS/AdvancED-accredita- hosted the 2015 ANCA Summit, nization was officially founded. In tion (now Cognia), granted by the and has hosted or participated in 1988 she became Executive Direc- Southern Association of Colleges multiple ANCA Southeast Region tor of Elachee and later President/ and Schools. meetings. CEO; she has been in that role Timpone has contributed strong- Timpone has also demonstrated

Founded in 1989, the Association of Nature Center Administrators is a private non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting best leadership and management practices for nature and environmental learning centers. Serving more than 750 members, ANCA is the leader in1 the profession. CONTENTS 2020 Leadership Award (cont.) leadership within broader envi- 2020 Nature Center 1-2 ronmental communities, being Leadership Award a founding board member of the Environmental Education Alliance 2020 Outstanding 3-4 of Georgia, and formerly serving New Leader Award as President and board member of Earthshare Georgia, an organiza- 5-6 Director’s Notes tion that provides funding for envi- ronmental organizations across the Fontenelle Forest 7-9 state. Takes Action on DEI Dick Touvell, retired execu- Elachee Nature Science Center tive director of Chippewa Nature National Audubon 10-11 Center and recipient of the 2016 goals, and a leader who continu- & Anti-Racism ANCA Nature Center Leadership ously involves her staff and peers Award, writes of Timpone’s career: in navigating the course to suc- Lessons Learned 12-14 “Elachee and Andrea’s story is one cess,” she says. “Andrea has distin- from Crisis of successfully pursuing oppor- guished herself with exceptional tunities, creatively adjusting to leadership at her nature center, Grass River 15-16 challenges and constantly being an within our profession and among Publishes Books innovator. She is the first to say she her peers in the ANCA network.” has been fortunate to be associated Jerry Hightower, Environmen- Reopening The 17-18 with committed staff throughout tal Education Coordinator for the Wilderness Center the years; however, the state-of- Chattahoochee River National the-art facility now in place would Recreation Area, mentions that Financial Investing 19-21 not have happened without her Timpone’s often-unseen work has for the Future extraordinary leadership.” impacted thousands of people, and Pat Welch, retired executive di- echoes Touvell’s statement. “I do Advice for 22-23 rector of the Pine Jog Environmen- not think that we would have the New Directors tal Education Center and recipient extraordinary Elachee that is so of the 2009 ANCA Nature Center important to environmental edu- Leadership Award, commends cation and interpretation without Timpone for her achievements Andrea’s indomitable creative The Directions journal contains both at Elachee and within ANCA. spirit.” news and trends in the nature “Andrea is a remarkable leader To recognize Timpone’s achieve- & environmental learning who strives for excellence, who ments, ANCA will host an Awards center profession, as well as thoughtfully visions the future and Ceremony during the 2020 ANCA relevant resources and stories charts a realistic course to achieve Virtual Summit, Sept. 14-17.  of innovative leadership. ANCA members receive each Elachee‘s Chicopee Woods Aquatic Studies Center at Chicopee Lake. Directions by email and can always see back-issues via the member portal on the ANCA website.

If you are part of the nature center profession and wish to receive Directions, see ANCA membership levels.

Directions offers advertising space for ANCA Business Partners, as well as individual advertising opportunities. 2 Merica Whitehall Receives 2020 Outstanding New Leader Award

NCA IS PLEASED to Members to our part-time seasonal A recognize Merica White- staff. She is often seen in the park- hall, Executive Director of Fon- ing lot speaking to members of the tenelle Forest in Bellevue, Neb. public. She truly listens to all sides with the 2020 ANCA Outstanding before a decision is made on any New Leader Award. This award level.” acknowledges Whitehall’s achieve- Among Whitehall’s accomplish- ments within the nature and envi- ments as director, she has been ronmental learning center field in instrumental in the creation of organizational leadership, profes- TreeRush Adventures at Fon- sionalism, professional develop- tenelle Forest, an adventure park ment, and creativity. that includes bridges, zip lines, Whitehall joined Fontenelle and swings between the trees of Forest in 2016 and has since led the Forest. Kema Geroux, Direc- the Forest in engaging new audi- tor of Community Relations for ences and building relationships TreeRush Adventures at Fontenelle within the region. Elizabeth Mulk- Merica Whitehall Forest, writes, “Without Merica, errin, Vice President of Education learning how we all collaborate I’m not sure TreeRush Adventures at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and as a community. Her strong pres- at Fontenelle Forest would have Aquarium, speaks highly of White- ence and confidence helped form opened in July 2019. With integrity hall’s beginnings at the Forest. the bond between the zoo and the and respect, Merica introduced the “The first two weeks as the exec- forest.” notion of partnering to build an utive director of Fontenelle Forest, Denise Lewis, Director of Rap- adventure park to board members Merica was reaching out to local tor Recovery at Fontenelle Forest, and to community stakeholders ... museums, zoos, and nature centers echoes Mulkerrin’s sentiment. Throughout park construction and to introduce herself to the commu- “When Merica was hired as the opening preparations, Merica in- nity,” Mulkerrin says. “Merica was Executive Director ... I was im- spired trust in the adventure park very professional and gave us the mediately impressed by her sense vision.” impression of a very strong leader of community, leadership, and Whitehall has led a diverse who was ready to take on her role creativity,” she says. “Her creative professional career that includes as the leader of Fontenelle Forest, vision is professionally communi- executive level nonprofit manage- jumping into developing an un- cated to all members of the com- ment, teaching in higher education, derstanding of the community and munity, from our Executive Board and managing a nationally touring

Fontenelle Forest Nature Center is home to a mile-long, fully ADA-accessible boardwalk.

3 Merica Whitehall Receives 2020 Outstanding New Leader Award (cont. from page 3) performing arts company. Beyond “Locally, five of the Omaha area’s FROM MERICA WHITEHALL: her responsibilities of Fontenelle major foundations have recognized It is a great honor to be recog- Forest, she has been active in her leadership by inviting her to nized as the 2020 Outstanding ANCA by presenting at multiple participate in exclusive leadership New Leader Award recipient. I ANCA Summits, serving on a Peer opportunities. She has also found recall reading ANCA’s Blue Ribbon Consult team, writing for Direc- the time to volunteer on the boards Report in preparation for an in- tions, and contributing as a mem- of the Nebraska Land Trust, Back terview for the position that I have ber of the ANCA Diversity, Equity, to the River, Opera Omaha, and been fortunate to serve in over the and Inclusion Committee. Cather- the Offutt Advisory Council.” past four years. The central theme ine Demes Maydew, Treasurer on To recognize Whitehall’s achieve- of the report was “relevance,” and the Fontenelle Forest Executive ments, ANCA will host an Awards increasing Fontenelle Forest’s Board, notes that Whitehall is ac- Ceremony during the 2020 ANCA relevance has been central to the tively involved in the community: Virtual Summit, Sept. 14-17. growth and success that our Board and staff have worked to achieve. As an organization founded over Below: Opened in 2019, TreeRush Adventures at Fontenelle Forest is a four- 100 years ago, the Forest is deeply acre adventure course between the trees of the Forest. established in the history and the Bottom: Opened in 2016, Raptor Woodland Refuge houses non-releasable hearts of our community. There is raptors in a unique educational display thirty feet above the forest floor. a core identity and purpose that is vitally important to who we are as a nature center. Holding onto a core identity and moving forward into the future first appeared as competing values. Ultimately, we came to understand that being relevant meant that we could both celebrate our achievements and challenge the status quo by embracing the values of excel- lence, engagement, sustainability, stewardship, and integrity. I am incredibly proud of the work that we have done at Fontenelle Forest through every department and at every level of leadership. We have pushed ourselves and one another. We’ve lifted heavy loads together. And today, we are pulling our oars in rhythm. The ANCA community has been a key part of my nature center administration journey from the moment it began. I have benefit- ed tremendously from the talent, wisdom, and perspective offered by everyone around me. I am grateful for ANCA’s contribution to my professional growth. And, I am deeply honored to be selected from among the knowledgeable, passionate, and accomplished pro- fessionals that comprise the ANCA membership. Thank you.

4 Director’s Notes Jen Levy, Executive Director ANCA — Logan, UT

E ARE ENTERING our like nature centers and outdoor W sixth month of living schools. We have our work cut out through a pandemic and it is for us, but we are not alone. Our definitely not getting any easier. network of members, business While we might be getting used partners, and local communities to some of the new routine – fre- are with us through this challenge. quent hand-washing, wearing a We need to stay connected, tell mask while out, and interacting our stories, and share our ideas with friends, family, and co-work- and successes. ers on Zoom, the decisions seem The ANCA CONNECTS pro- to be getting much harder. When gram, launched in March, has will it be safe to return to a favorite brought together more than 1,000 restaurant? Go to the gym? Go on participants in our online meet- vacation? More importantly, when ings, webinars, and peer socials. can kids and teachers return safely We will continue these meetings, to school and to our centers again? and we are planning the work- I know many of you are struggling shops and sessions for our Sep- es here including the Nature with the reality that schools will tember Virtual Summit. We will Center Toolkit, an extensive guide not be visiting nature centers and continue to share resources for that can help you safely open and outdoor schools this coming year our members who are navigating maintain your site throughout the and that could spell disaster for the pandemic as well as the nor- pandemic. The toolkit was a joint our industry. mal challenges of leading a nature project between Marshall & Ster- In April 2020, the Lawrence Hall education organization. We are ling Insurance and ANCA. of Science conducted a nationwide sharing Covid-19 specific resourc- survey and the data is clear, we are a field at risk. The resulting pol- icy brief describes the survey and results as well as recommendations for mitigating the threats to the field. There is no easy solution. We will need funding to maintain our centers and make the needed changes to reopen centers and programs. We will need funding to pay staff and increase access for marginalized communities. We will need to coordinate with schools to engage more students in outdoor learning. The North American Association for Environmental Education released guidance for school reopening and how out- door learning can help. The recom- mendations include partnerships with community organizations

5 Director’s Notes (cont. from page 5) We have been able to maintain the Park Superintendent at Es- the ANCA staff through the past tero Llano Grande State Park and BOARD OF DIRECTORS several months, and I am grateful World Birding Center in Wesla- for the work they have done to co, Texas. He served on the 2018 PRESIDENT support our members. I am also ANCA Summit Host Committee, is John DeFillipo John Bunker Sands Wetland Center thankful to the members of the a member of the ANCA DEI Com- ANCA Board who are facing the mittee, and has served on a Peer PRESIDENT-ELECT challenges head on at their own Consult Team. Welcome to the Kitty Pochman Linda Loring Nature Foundation organizations as well as supporting ANCA Board Chad and Javier! ANCA and its members. ANCA’s At the ANCA Spring Board V.P. STRATEGIC DIRECTION Board of Directors is comprised Meeting, Kitty Pochman, executive Kristin Smith Tualatin Hills Nature Center of some of the top nature center director of the Linda Loring Nature leaders in the country. The Board Foundation in Nantucket, Mass. V.P. DEVELOPMENT is structured by design to include was elected to the position of Presi- Brooks Paternotte Irvine Nature Center representation based on budget dent Elect. Kristin Smith, Interpre- size, day use/residential facilities, tive Programs Supervisor for the SECRETARY geographic location, years of expe- Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation Jason Meyer Blandford Nature Center rience, and governance type. District in Beaverton, Ore., was July 1 marked the beginning of a elected to the brand-new position TREASURER new fiscal year for ANCA and new of Vice President for Strategic Di- Mary McKinley Ogden Nature Center faces on the board. Two amazing rection. The full list and bios of the members, Amber Parker and Kay ANCA Board can be found here. Jeff Giesen Carlson, have finished their terms The work ahead will be challeng- North Cascades Institute after six years of incredible service. ing, but I am confident that with Glenna Holstein Carlson, Executive Director of the the right team of staff and board Urban Ecology Center Nature Center at Shaker Lakes in ANCA will continue to serve our Javier de León Shaker Lakes, Ohio, chaired the members who are doing the im- Estero Llano Grande State Park Governance Committee and was an portant work of connecting peo- & World Birding Center active member of the Development ple with nature. Stay strong and Iain MacLeod Committee. Parker, Executive Di- healthy!  Squam Lakes Natural Science Center rector of the Ijams Nature Center Pam Musk in Knoxville, Tenn., served as the National Audubon Society (formerly) Vice President of Professional Ser- John Myers vices supporting both ANCA Peer Indian Creek Nature Center Consults and the Summit. Board Vera Roberts service can be one of the most chal- Warner Park Nature Center lenging volunteer roles and both Chad Truxall Carlson and Parker performed with Marine Discovery Center professionalism and enthusiasm. Jenn Wright THANK YOU Amber and Kay! Grass River Natural Area To fill the vacancies, we wel- comed two new board members, STAFF Chad Truxall and Javier de León. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Truxall is the Executive Director Jen Levy of the Marine Discovery Center MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS in New Smyrna Beach, Fla. In COORDINATOR 2018, he was awarded the ANCA ® Asa Duffee Outstanding New Leader Award. Resources for the Trail and Classroom EVENTS COORDINATOR Truxall has served on Peer Consult 14742 Plaza Drive, Suite 100 Sarah Reding Tustin, California 92780 Teams and has been actively coor- (800) 422-8886 OFFICE & MEMBERSHIP dinating Peer Meetings in Florida www.acornnaturalists.com COORDINATOR for the past few years. De León is Taylia Sunderland 6 Actions Always Prove Why Words Mean Nothing

Merica Whitehall, Executive Director Fontenelle Forest — Bellevue, NE

N MARCH 13, 2020, a At nature centers and environ- decades even in organizations that O global pandemic led to a mental organizations we must stressed the value of diversity. To- national emergency, sheltering in ask ourselves these questions too. day, BIPOC represent almost 41% place, social distancing, and an According to Leaking Talent, a of the US population according economic shutdown. Very quickly, 2019 study conducted by Green to Pew Research and only 20% a critical health crisis became a po- 2.0, “the environmental movement of environmental NGO staff and litical football. People felt fearful, has historically had a lack of racial executives. anxious, and isolated. We quickly diversity across all ranks of the Fontenelle Forest & DEI began to communicate that, “we largest NGOs and foundations.” are all in this together.” Yet, statis- While BIPOC represented 36% of In this article I want to share tics demonstrated that we aren’t the U.S. population in 2014 and what Fontenelle Forest has done really all in it together. As a result comprised 29% of the science and to harness the momentum of the of systemic barriers to health and engineering workforce, BIPOC moment to advance racial equity medical care BIPOC experience did not exceed 16% of the staff of within our organization. What I’ve much higher levels of infection and environmental organizations for tried to highlight thus far is that death from COVID-19. On May 26, city streets erupted Merica Whitehall speaks at Fontenelle Forest. following the murder of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer. The racism recognizable in policing today has historic links to slave patrols; a system of policing legalized to subjugate Black peo- ple trafficked for profit and bank issued credit by slavers. Floyd’s murder was one of innumerable, equally horrifying, unjustified, and unprosecuted deaths of Black peo- ple in America. And again a call for unity rang out from organizations and businesses across the nation. Today, a growing community of leaders and activists are working across generational, racial, social and economic barriers to assure that Black Lives Matter. Leaders in every sector are reflecting on questions related to “if” and “how” this applies to their organizations. 7 Actions Always Prove Why Words Mean Nothing (cont. from page 7)

This ornate signage welcomes visitors at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center. a system, policy, or procedure is almost always the portunity for growth, and feelings of cultural isolation. companion of a consistently created outcome. Actions The work of undoing continues. always prove why words mean nothing. And therefore, Recruitment of diverse staff and board members if nature centers want to become more diverse, equita- must be intentional and you must be willing to invest ble, and inclusive we must examine and redesign our all the time needed to engage diverse job candidates systems, our policies, and our procedures. in the recruitment and hiring process. As new job At Fontenelle Forest we have established a founda- descriptions are created, rather than simply using tion for DEI by: a statement about non-discriminatory practices we • Establishing organizational values which include strive to communicate a culture that embraces DEI. a commitment to inclusivity and the removal of To help us get our job opportunities in front of a barriers that prevent us from realizing this value; diverse audience of high quality candidates we have compiled and use a list of job posting sites and di- • Developing and adopting a 20-year master verse local contacts. Suggestions for your list includes plan that centers the interests and values of our ANCA, the Foundation List, local environmental surrounding community rather than imposing justice organizations, Environmental Profession- Fontenelle Forest’s interests and values on the als of Color, and Outdoor Afro. community that we exist to serve; and, Staff compensation and benefits can also be a barri- • Including recruitment and retention of top di- er to recruiting diverse candidates. Diverse candidates verse talent as a strategic goal. may not have the option to take a job that does not Creating a racially just organization requires a provide them the ability to fully meet their financial focus on changing how your organization operates; obligations. Fontenelle Forest is making market rate removing barriers that exclude others; and, inviting compensation a priority as we develop a 3-year plan to broader and more representative leadership into deci- move all of our staff positions to competitive compen- sion-making. And, we are still challenged. Fontenelle sation. Benefits can be expensive but we are increas- Forest’s staff is over 90% White. The attrition rate of ing value to our staff by offering greater flexibility and non-White staff is 60%. The reasons for staff attrition support in work accommodations as well as sick leave have included the level of compensation, lack of op- and vacation sharing policies. 8 Action Always Proves Why Words Mean Nothing (cont. from page 8)

In our effort to recruit a diverse board level that will: Board we post Board service • Create and adopt a racial opportunities publicly. We use a equity statement that can be board service application form publicly communicated; and review a matrix to inform our • Create and adopt policies board composition needs when we and practices at the board vet applicants that have applied to and staff level that guarantee serve on our board. Board Cove- that Fontenelle Forest will be nant expectations can also serve as a welcoming, inclusive, and structural barriers to diversity, spe- equitable organization; and, cifically meeting times and giving levels. Adopting a “Give/Get” op- • Prioritize racial diversity on tion and holding meetings at times Fontenelle Forest’s Board of that accommodate volunteers that Directors. may work hourly, full-time jobs We have recently created a staff and/or have household respon- committee focused on racial equity sibilities are just two options to to provide a safe space for open, remove barriers that hinder diverse honest dialogue as well as a role representation on Boards. offering recommendations for actions and policies Fontenelle Using this moment to take Forest needs to transition to oper- action ations that more effectively realize Among the public proclaimers of racial equity. Recommendations #BlackLivesMatter were organi- made to the executive director will zations and businesses “outed” for be brought to HR when new or actively practicing exclusion and revised policies are needed. discrimination. Fontenelle Forest Until the murder of George did not issue a public statement Floyd, racial equity and inclusion in solidarity with BLM. Instead, had not been a central discussion we are seizing this opportunity to at Fontenelle Forest even though take real actions to support racial we have consistently advanced this equity. Organizations like ANCA, value in the ways that I’ve shared The Nature Conservancy, and with you. As we take on this im- the Audubon Society provide portant and difficult work nature excellent examples of nature and centers and environmental organi- environmental organizations that zations must take action to insti- have clear positions on racial eq- tutionalize systems of change that uity. I have presented these exem- advance racial equity and demon- plars to Fontenelle Forest’s Board strate that indeed, we are all in this of Directors as I advocate for the together. Actions always prove why creation of a DEI Task Force at the words mean nothing. 

Merica Whitehall serves as the executive director of Fontenelle Forest in Bellevue, NE. Check out Green 2.0 and the Center for Diversity & the Environment to learn more about advancing racial equity in at your nature center. Also, learn more about how allies for nature are working across disciplines to advance public and planetary health at SHIFT.

9 As Nature Center Leaders, It’s Our Responsibility To Be Anti-Racists Loren Smith, PhD, Director of Network Development and Strategy National Audubon Society ORD TRAVELED bon also shared a statement in is committed to being anti-rac- W SWIFTLY: A Black birder support of recent Supreme ist, hopefully with the committed named Christian Cooper, well- Court wins for Dreamers and support of each board member and known in the New York City bird- LGBTQIA+ people during this major donor, because it’s what is ing community and a board mem- time. Internally, Audubon has also required of us as humans and con- ber of New York City Audubon, committed to providing exten- servationists. had been subjected to racist ha- sive staff trainings and resources, Being a 115-year-old organization rassment in Central Park. Within building on years of previous work, whose donor base is overwhelm- hours, national media was running to ensure that Audubon meets its ingly white and affluent, but whose stories about the incident and the stated equity and inclusion 34 nature centers serve more than birding world had to reckon with goals. one million people in communities its own challenges as dozens of Audubon’s executive and devel- that are predominantly not white birders of color came forward with opment teams kept up a steady and not affluent, means that Audu- their own stories of being targets cadence of communications to in- bon has a huge opportunity when of racist bigotry by strangers and form our board and major donors. addressing America’s racist past fellow birders alike. And then came The message was clear: Audubon and present. There is already excel- the video of George Floyd’s murder by four Minneapolis police officers. At National Audubon Soci- studioOutside ety, staff, executives, and board members had been prepared to meet this moment by a multi-year journey of training, learning, and action around equity, diversity, and inclusion, including anti-rac- ism. And so very quickly, Audubon coalesced around a public message and made a series of statements and actions in response to Chris- tian Cooper’s experience and George Floyd’s murder. The first came on May 26, the day after the Central Park in- cident; another followed shortly thereafter about anti-Black rac- ism and the challenges that people of color face in the conservation DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN and birding communities — with PHOENIX, ARIZONA a public commitment to pursuing Landscape Architecture and Master Planning an anti-racist course of action in 214.954.7160 everything Audubon does. Audu- www.studiooutside.us 10 It’s Our Responsibility to Be Anti-Racists (cont. from page 10) lent equity, diversity, and inclusion scope, teams of communications work happening at our nature professionals, and hundreds of centers, and we are investing in employees. Any professional new anti-racist and de-escalation nature center organization can training for all of our staff so that adopt equity, diversity, and in- they can help manage the neces- clusion, and anti-racism policies. sary conversations around these Free or low-cost resources exist issues in a way that isn’t harmful to to educate and inform boards, people of color. staff, volunteers, and community Many of our efforts are built into members so that they can all better the day-to-day activities of our participate in the struggle to end center staff and educators across racism, including Anti-Racism the country. In 2018, we as an Resources compiled by Sarah organization decided to use the Sophie Flicker, Alyssa Klein (May term “community science” instead 2020) and Anti-Racism, Racial of “citizen science” to create a more Justice, and Abolition Re- inclusive context for these import- sources, curated and compiled by ant projects that help us track bird Sujata Tejwani, Sujata Strategies population health long-term—a (May-July 2020). Every center has change that was championed by the responsibility to examine poli- one of our nature center direc- cies and practices that perpetuate tors. Most recently, because of racism — even those that manifest COVID-19, we’ve had to transition within their own organization — all of our education and camps to and to act to address them. distance learning. Audubon na- Support for Audubon’s anti-rac- ture centers, like Debs Park in Los ist, pro-inclusion and equity stance Angeles, have taken to doing live has been nearly universal — not demonstrations and bird watch- just at the staff or board level, but ing events on social media. But from people who had felt alienat- because many of the communities ed from the broader conservation LeadTeam we serve lack adequate access to movement (which is also very broadband Internet, we’ve also had white). Our statements and actions • Strategic Planning to develop Camp-In-A-Box and — partnering with the organizers • Leadership & Team at-home learning modules, and we of Black Birders Week, working Development began handing them out at meal alongside communities of color • Executive Advising distribution points in local schools. across the country — have invited We also created an entire at-home far more people in than anyone English- and Spanish-language who chose to leave. We are con- learning module called Audubon fident that other nature centers For Kids/Audubon para niños around the country can deploy that adults could use to keep kids these same actions and tactics and, occupied. together, we can make the out- Actions like these are not limit- doors welcoming to everyone.  ed to organizations with national

Loren Smith, PhD, is the Director of Network Development and Strate- gy for the National Audubon Society. He works with Audubon’s network Corky McReynolds, of 34 nature centers, 450 chapters, and 120 campus chapters to further programming and activities that promote birds and the places they PhD, CPF need. With a diverse background in paleontology and fundraising, Lo- [email protected] ren feels fortunate to be able to connect his multiple career paths in the leadteamconsulting.com service of environmental education and conservation. 11 Lessons Learned from Crisis: Perspectives from ANCA Emeritus Members Asa Duffee, Marketing & Communications Coordinator ANCA — Asheville, NC

INCE MARCH, we’ve all heard the word “un- “It was so severe and so abrupt,” Dill recalls. S precedented” repeated ad nauseum to describe While the organization had contingency plans for the pandemic and our current circumstances. Yet natural disasters such as hurricanes, such plans didn’t while it’s true that the field of nature centers has never necessarily apply to the situation — in hurricanes, faced a situation quite like this, it’s also true that warnings come in advance and you can prepare ac- nearly every organization has endured some form of cordingly. The abruptness of the fire, however, meant significant crisis in the past, and that organizational that all the contents of the buildings were destroyed. leaders had to navigate those crises. In the nature and environmental learning center Knowing that ANCA Emeritus Members have been field, we often observe that staff are particularly adap- those leaders during times of challenge, we spoke with tive, due to the unpredictability of both nature and three Emeritus Members to share the lessons that working with the public. The staff of the ELC proved they gathered through such experiences. that observation true in this situation, as they were in Holly Dill the midst of summer camps, and thus parents were dropping off their children that morning right as the Holly Dill, retired Executive Director of the Envi- staff was processing what had happened. They scram- ronmental Learning Center (ELC) in Vero Beach, bled to safely host the camps and were able to pull it Fla., had much to take in when daylight broke upon off with creative and quick thinking. the ELC on the morning of July 1, 2008. The night Meanwhile, Dill had to similarly take fast action, before, an intense storm passed through and lightning starting by communicating with the board, staff, and struck the ELC’s largest building, resulting in a fire the larger community. Because of the quick aware- that destroyed the building and an adjacent public ness, the community rallied to support the organiza- restroom facility. tion.

Cover photo: Buildings afire on the night of June 30, 2008, at the Environmental Learning Center in Vero Beach, FL. Photo provided by Holly Dill.

12 Lessons Learned from Crisis (cont. from page 12)

Left: Aerieal view of the fire’s aftermath at the ELC. Right: Aerial view of the ELC’s newly-constructed buildings in 2010. Photos provided by Holly Dill.

“Literally, that first day, we had buildings and it allowed us to rec- Ken Voorhis scientists calling us, saying, ‘We’re reate what worked, but to improve Ken Voorhis, retired Executive dropping off used nets and sam- what did not work.” The result was Director of the Great Smoky pling equipment out of our closets’ that the new buildings achieved Mountains Institute at Trem- because they knew our summer Green Globe certification and ont (GSMIT) and retired Chief camps were going on,” Dill says, worked better for hosting exhibits Education and Operations Offi- as all of the ELC’s equipment was than the previous buildings. cer at Yellowstone Forever, when lost to the fire. “It was just amazing Dill recognizes that the ELC’s sit- asked about any crises he has faced how people wanted to help.” uation did not necessarily parallel as a leader, listed off a number of Dill took the process step by step, the pandemic, as there are univer- unfortunate circumstances. leading a fundraising campaign to sal effects from the coronavirus. “Several government shutdowns, construct new buildings. In May “With the pandemic, everybody’s a flood that washed out our en- 2010, the ELC hosted a re-opening affected,” she says. “In our situa- trance road, a blizzard that had a celebration that showcased its new tion with the fire, the community group stranded for several days Discovery Station building. rallied around us because it was and no power for 10, norovirus Dill says that though the sudden just this one aspect of the commu- that went through a group of 100 tragedy was difficult, there were nity that was affected.” college students that were with still lessons that she learned along us for a week, lost students, etc,” the way. Holly Dill he responded. From those com- “All help is important, no matter bined experiences, Voorhis says he how big or small,” she says. The learned valuable lessons in re- ELC’s community rallied together sponding to any crisis as the leader in support of the organization, and of an organization. that rallying was not just beneficial Voorhis says it’s first important from a financial perspective, but to pause before reacting. During also in bringing the community to- crises, “we needed to step back and gether. Children hosted lemonade take time to think and be careful stands and readathons, which Dill about our first gut reaction” be- saw as an important part of engag- cause that reaction isn’t usually ing the ELC’s audiences. the appropriate course of action, There were other silver linings to he says. Instead, gathering infor- the situation, too. “We also realized mation and then forming a plan that we could view it as seeing the should be the first step. glass as half-full,” Dill says. “It gave Following the plan, then, clear us an opportunity to redesign the

13 Lessons Learned from Crisis (cont. from page 13) communication is vital. “You have to give answers as soon as you can, and be as completely transparent with those as possible,” says Voorhis. Even in situ- ations like the pandemic where there are many un- knowns, it’s still important to communicate what you don’t know, but are working to find out. Even though the pandemic is difficult to predict, Voorhis says that planning and training in advance is invaluable for all types of crises. By running through various scenarios together, the staff develop a culture of being better prepared for any situation. In this way, too, you can develop a clear communication and decision-making process, where you have one point person who can direct others in any given scenario. Suzanne Tuttle Suzanne Tuttle, retired Manager of the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge (FWNC&R) in Fort Worth, Texas, faced a different situation than the Ken Voorhis at the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at drastic events at the Environmental Learning Center Tremont. or Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont. The city itself owned and operated the nature center, but rale up. I tried to be as completely open and forward due to the Great Recession they began to explore the about what was going on as I could, but I didn’t really possibility of outsourcing the staffing to the friends have total control over the outcome,” Tuttle says. group that aided the center’s work. Ultimately, the city decided not to transfer the This possibility endured eighteen months of exam- responsibilities to the friends group. The FWNC&R ination, during which time the future of the staff was remains a division of the city today, and is still sup- uncertain. There was no guarantee that the friends ported by the Friends of the FWNC&R. group would maintain the same level of pay and bene- Tuttle says that throughout that process, her pri- fits as the city, and some of the staff would have had to mary goal was to communicate with the staff as best reapply to their jobs. she could. “I just tried to be as transparent as possible As such, the staff felt some degree of stress about about what I knew, what had been discussed,” she the possible changes. “It was kind of hard to keep mo- says. Asked about advice for leaders today, she advis- es, “Be as honest and open about the situation as you can, and set a good example.” Suzanne Tuttle (center) points while leading a group. Learning from crisis The pandemic is uncharted territory for everyone, but these lessons from Dill, Tuttle, and Voorhis share common ground for organizational leaders. Clear communication, protocols and preparation, and a willingness to embrace change are all standards that current leaders can use to navigate our current collec- tive crisis. Dill specifically mentions that no matter what the results of a crisis are, there’s opportunity to grow and learn through one’s experiences. “It’s important to learn through what you’re going through,” she says. Hopefully, then, one day years from now, you’ll share your own lessons learned from the 2020 pan- demic. 

14 A Tried-and-True Medium: Grass River Natural Area Engages Audiences by Publishing Books

James Dake, Education Director Grass River Natural Area — Bellaire, MI

ATURE CENTERS are always on the N lookout for new ways to provide services, creative methods to share interpretive media, and resourceful ways to bring in revenue while still meeting their mission. One way to do that is through publications. “Books?” you may say. “How are books in any way new or creative? Why not apps?” While the act of creating and printing books is nothing new, technology has advanced in a way that allows for small nonprofits, like nature cen- ters, to step more easily into the realm of pub- lishing. You can now design your publications in-house, print the books in small quantities with a very quick turnaround time, and get high-quality publications into the hands of your visitors with- out going through a large publishing company. Being your own publisher opens up a wide range of avenues to create some impactful and eye-catch- ing interpretive media. And, people still have a deep love for books. Print is certainly not dead in today’s digital world. Grass River Natural Area in Bellaire, Mich. became a publisher in 2016, with the publication of our first book, “Field Guide to Northwest Mich- igan.” This 152-page book includes a little bit of everything. With chapters on local history and geology, along with full-color photography sec- tions of over 400 species of local flora and fauna, a visitor to the natural area can get the big picture of our organization’s history and mission, while also being able to identify the bug they just saw once they stepped out the door or the toad their child just picked up. The guide is easy to use for begin- ners, but full of information for nature enthusiasts. This meets our mission by educating visitors about the plants and animals right in our back- yard, while also generating revenue. We sell the A Tried-and-True Medium (cont. from page 14) book in our gift shop in the nature lishing. “Would it be possible for center, as well as many of the local Grass River to publish my book?” bookstores. For many weeks in a she asked. row, the guide has been a number What better way to meet our one bestseller in one of our local mission and engage our supporters, bookstores. than to publish a book on wet- Even better yet, the book was land wildflowers written by a local supported by our local community naturalist that had been with our foundation and energy company organization since its early years? through grants, which helped to So, in 2019, we published “Great cover the printing costs. These Lakes Wetland Walks” by Peg Com- grants also included books being fort. This spiral-bound wetland donated to classrooms in local wildflower guide combined the schools to be used as a local sci- writing of the author, with cover ence textbook. Since its publica- artwork by a locally known artist, tion, there are now over 2,800 botanical sketches from another copies in circulation, with over 650 artist, a foreword by a well-known in the hands of students and teach- local author, and photography from ers. In the coming months, we will Grass River. We laid out the book, be printing over 2,000 additional provided the photos, secured grant copies of an updated and revised funding for printing, and worked that we have expertise in to anoth- 2nd edition. with the printer to get it in print. er nature center, and in the end we Shortly after publishing the book, We now sell it and distribute it will get an accessible nature guide we were approached by a long- throughout the region. into the hands of more people term volunteer, board member, Our next project is working with throughout the state. and donor to our organization. She another nature center in Michi- People love books. And, the tech- had been working on a wetland gan to create a field guide for their nology is there for nature centers wildflower book for years but had nature center and region. In this to create the books that people yet to navigate the world of pub- instance, we are providing a service love. So get publishing! 

James Dake is author of “Field Guide to Northwest Michigan” and education director at Grass River Natural Area in Bellaire, Mich. Check out Grass River’s publications here or contact James at james@grassriver. org if you have questions about creating your own books.

16 Reflections on Reopening The Wilderness Center Jeanne Gural, Executive Director The Wilderness Center — Wilmot, OH

CONSIDER myself lucky. But it takes more The board of The Wilderness Center fully em- I than luck to make a living doing what one loves powered me to make the best decisions I could in which, for me, is being an Executive Director of an regard to closing the center, how best to keep the staff active nature center. Yes, luck is a part of it, but so is employed and productive, and if/when we should hard work, preparation, training, flexibility, as well as open back up. With those decisions comes respon- developing and being able to effectively communicate sibility, and that too can feel heavy. The weight was a vision. eased by having open communications with the staff, While I fully believe in empowering staff, one of and a robust network of colleagues on which to call. the most rewarding and exhausting challenges I have TWC is now open 7 days a week. We decided to take found in my dream job is the sheer amount of deci- advantage of this new era to evolve. We decreased sions that need to be made in any given day. Every day operating hours to give ourselves extra time to disin- we are faced with having to make small, seemingly fect surface areas and to check in with each other. We insignificant choices, and far reaching decisions that increased signage to include more donation options will impact others. But now many of us are having to and membership info. We added QR codes to enhance make decisions that can prove dangerous, possibly the visitor experience. We developed new ideas for even life threatening, as well as potentially detrimen- online, outside, and offsite programming for when tal to our centers. While we all have different levels of that can happen again. We, like many of you, also input from staff or oversight by our boards, the deci- significantly increased our social media presence. We sions that must be made regarding our centers amid cleaned, painted, and repaired displays, trails, and the presence of COVID-19 can weigh heavily. other features. We expanded our vision for what we The decision to open vs. staying closed, or closing can become. again will impact your center, staff, members, and None of this makes up for the challenges we still you. Please don’t discount the impact these decisions face, but by taking action and increasing our commu- can have on your wellbeing; we have an obligation to nication with each other and our members, we feel take care of ourselves as much as we do others. better prepared and connected for what may come next. Praire at The Wilderness Center.

17 Reflections on Reopening The Wilderness Center (cont. from page 17)

ANCA proved to be a valued source of comfort, training, ideas, cocktails, and laughs during these changing times. It was through a catch-up call with a colleague, Irene Jones from Marshall & Sterling Insurance, that we first discussed the idea of a booklet, a toolkit to help with the deci- sion-making process of whether to open our center back up to the public. From that first casual phone chat ANCA acted quickly — a committee was quickly assem- bled, a template was produced, and ideas were shared. Having some- thing tangible to help guide and in- form was something I didn’t know I wanted, but I am thankful it now exists and for being a part of the See the COVID-19 process. I hope it helps. [Editor’s note: see the COVID-19 Nature Nature Center Toolkit here Center Toolkit to the right.] The peace we find in nature can help calm our angst. It can bring solace from the tumult. Being able to share that with others is power- ful. Our work and our centers make a difference. Stay safe, fellow travelers, and stay connected.

Jeanne M. Gural has been work- ing in the realm of field biology, wildlife ecology, and nature center management for more than 25 years. She has worked in a wide assortment of habitats and coun- tries including Panama, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Jamaica, Mexico, Nevis, Surinam, and several areas within the United States. Jeanne is the Executive Director of The Wilderness Center, in Wilmot, Ohio. TWC is a 665 acre nature center, a 4,000+ acre land trust, a sustainable forestry service, and a henneberyeddy.com 503-227-4860 conservation cemetery.

18 The Importance of Investing in the Future Asa Duffee, Marketing & Communications Coordinator ANCA — Asheville, NC

ITH THE MAJOR future — and we want to be sensi- W CHANGES brought on tive to this fact. Nevertheless, we by the pandemic, our field faces believe it is important when pos- radical economic challenges that sible to strategically think of one’s have resulted in difficult decisions financial health and future, even to furlough or lay off staff, with in the face of economic challenges little certainty that organizations and uncertainty. will be able to financially recover in Ensuring financial viability the years to come. While right now within our field there’s little certainty of anything in the future, some nature center Becoming particularly wealthy is leaders see this as a critical time usually not the main goal of peo- to strategize finances on both an ple who work in our field. Anyone organizational and individual level. who works at a nature center has Brooks Paternotte “Thinking strategically right now some conviction in the mission of when things are down is so im- that organization, and likely feels organization need to be strategic portant,” says Brooks Paternotte, fulfilled in working toward that about their financial planning for Executive Director of Irvine Na- mission. the future. ture Center in Owings Mills, Md. “Most of the people that come Organizations in our field can “This is a time when you can make to work at nature centers aren’t improve employees’ financial changes in how you approach the concerned about the money and planning operation of your nature center as making a lot of money,” Paternotte says. “They want to be able to live Saving for one’s future isn’t solely well as your financial planning.” the responsibility of the individu- Individual financial planning — and they want to be able to retire.” Paternotte, who is 48, considers al, however. Organizations play a especially saving for retirement — large role in how individuals are was one of the Open Space topics that to be a serious issue. While nobody expects to get rich by work- able to save, whether they offer a at ANCA’s 2019 Evolve Summit at match on a retirement account or the Cincinnati Nature Center in ing at a nature center, there still has to be some degree of financial other benefits that lessen the finan- Cincinnati, Ohio. Here, we revisit cial burdens on employees. the subject of how some nature viability — and it takes both the individual and the organization Paternotte notes that if employ- center staff approach financial ees don’t feel financially secure, planning for the future, particular- to make it financially viable. Just because we work in a modest organizations “can’t retain excel- ly in light of the pandemic. lent staff and we’re always going Note: ANCA recognizes that with profession “doesn’t mean we can’t plan for retirement and invest,” to be losing them after a couple of the pandemic, many people within years — and that hurts us, there’s our field are struggling to make Paternotte says. In other words, if an organization a cost associated with that. So why ends meet in the present and sim- not invest in them on the front ply cannot invest in their financial is providing a livable salary, then the individuals working at that end rather than spending money

19 The Importance of Investing (cont. from page 19) replacing and training?” would like. “I would love to be able As part of its investment in staff, to plan better for the future,” she once each year, Irvine Nature Cen- says. “But right now it’s kind of ter brings in a presenter from their what makes ends meet.” retirement company to discuss Fantacone adds that she and her investment options with Irvine husband aspire to buy a house and employees. The goal is to give more have kids, which are more immedi- control to staff members while also ate financial considerations. “And increasing their financial literacy, with all that, how do I think of especially for younger staff. retirement at this point?” The nature center has further The context of one’s organization tried to increase financial literacy can impact one’s ability to invest, by having a more transparent bud- too; a relatively young organization get and spreading financial respon- does not have the same financial sibility across the organization. backing of an organization that has Both senior and junior staff have grown an endowment for decades. budgets they must plan; doing this Adapting to changes in the Alexa Fantacone gives them both more ownership of economy the organization and also a bet- ter understanding of how money Fantacone also mentions the feel that stability, now having seen works in a nonprofit setting. changing economy as a factor she the pandemic, the Great Recession, Because of this, Paternotte says, considers when looking to the fu- and the rise of a gig economy. “It “we have a much more informed ture. Whereas previous generations is a little bit more concerning that budget and a much higher degree have been able to rely on stability I don’t necessarily have a full plan of financial literacy in terms of in their careers, millennials don’t for five years down the road be- budgeting than we ever have.” The challenge of saving when you’re just meeting your needs Of course, saving money for the future is not easy or possible for everyone. Having two masters degrees and being an executive director, one might think that Alexa Fantacone at Teaneck Creek Conservancy in Teaneck, NJ, would feel finan- cially secure — but that’s not the case. Fantacone, age 28, express- es concern about the challenging economy, especially where she lives. “Living in New Jersey, with one INDIANA STATE MUSEUM Courtesy of Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites of the highest costs of living in the country, has played a factor into what is … sustainable financially,” WE CREATE INSPIRING AND she says. MEMORABLE EXHIBITS Noting such ongoing costs and 217.893.4874 the current economic uncertain- [email protected] ty, Fantacone hasn’t been able to www.taylorstudios.com invest in her IRA as much as she

20 The Importance of Investing (cont. from page 20) cause I don’t know what the turn Investing now will pay off in will be,” she says. the future Offering a perspective from re- In our field there’s an oft-repeat- tirement, Charity Krueger, retired ed proverb that has various incar- Executive Director at Aullwood nations but goes something like Audubon Center & Farm in this: “The best time to plant a tree Dayton, Ohio, says that diversity was 20 years ago. The second best in financial sources will reduce reli- time is now.” ability on just one source. “Diver- The same principle applies to sify as much as you can,” she says, how we as nature center profes- and investigate all possible options sionals invest financially. Since we for saving money, even outside of don’t work in a lucrative profes- your institution. sion, we must think strategically Krueger recognizes that how about how we invest for the future, she saved money throughout 33 and time is the most effective tool years in the same position may in that investment. The earlier we not directly apply to young peo- Charity Krueger invest, the more we can reap later. ple just starting in the profession, Of course, especially in the with the larger economic changes field need to confront those chang- context of the pandemic, not all taking place; even planning on es directly. plans go as intended. “Who knows social security is less reliable for “I have friends my age who are what the future will hold despite younger generations. She still living paycheck to paycheck,” she our best efforts to plan for it?” says advises, though, that although the says, and thus she urges all young- Krueger, but she adds that it’s still mechanisms for saving money are er people to do what they can to important to invest in retirement changing, people working in the avoid that situation in retirement. and long-term care insurance as early as possible because they will most likely pay off later. THE NATURE PLACE Reading, PA Paternotte is thankful that early in his career he had a mentor who urged him to start saving money, and he hopes that all young profes- sionals have mentors motivating them in that direction. But leaving that encouragement up to chance isn’t necessary, and that’s why it’s important that nature centers consider this matter on an organi- zational level. “A lot of it starts with us as leaders advocating for it with our boards,” Paternotte says. “We need to be taking better care of people. We can’t offer large salaries — it’s just not what we can do, but what can we do to make it a livable expe- rience?” GWWO STRIVES TO ENRICH THE HUMAN Fantacone agrees that encourag- EXPERIENCE THROUGH RESPONSIBLE DESIGN ing financial planning for employ- THAT IS INSPIRATIONAL, EVOCATIVE, AND ees will make nature centers more PROGRESSIVE. effective in their missions. “The health of the organization is the 410.332.1009 | www.gwwoinc.com health of the employees,” she says. 21 Advice for New Directors

HE ANCA Google Group is one of the main Robert Mercer, Retired Director T hubs for the ANCA community and we’re always Silver Lake Nature Center impressed with the level of engagement on the list- Practice “Yes, and...” If one is listening carefully, they serv. Recently one conversation stood out to us, in re- are NOT listening for problems, but listening for solu- sponse to a question about advice for a new director: tions. When someone (staff, board, community) offers a suggestion, the common response is, “Can’t do that” Jason Martin, Executive Director or “Yes, but here are the problems with your sugges- Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center tion.” The Yes and... response is, “great idea, how can I was recently hired into my first nature center ED we implement it and how can we make it even better position (I start on July 1st). To all of the seasoned by bringing together additional resources.” Of course ED’s out there, what is the best piece of advice that the idea must fit the mission and strategic vision. you wish you would have had to better prepare you for your first day, first month, and/or first 6 months Mark McKnight, President/CEO as an ED? Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center Another thing I’d say as someone still very new to this Throughout the responses, we saw four main cate- (2.5 years): You’ll never see the place from the outside gories of advice: listen, build a network, take care of again as you do now. Don’t forget those initial impres- yourself, and continue to learn. Here, we catalogue sions—what’s odd? Missing? Not welcoming? What’s some of what ANCA members wrote. just right and should be protected at all costs?

Eileen Tramontana, Executive Director 1. LISTEN Trout Lake Nature Center Remember to be flexible and institute change gradual- Jason Meyer, President/CEO ly. Talk about anything you are thinking about chang- Blandford Nature Center ing with lots of folks. This helps build buy-in and a Secretary — ANCA Board of Directors desire to see new. For the first several months, you may feel the desire to jump right in and take control. Yes, you’ll need to do that on some things for sure, but there is a lot to 2. BUILD A NETWORK learn from staff, donors, participants, visitors, and your community by just listening ... without being Marisa E. Oliva-Rodriguez, Manager defensive about anything. In fact, be proactive and ask Edinburg Scenic Wetlands questions! & World Birding Center Another piece of advice is to make time to know your Marisa Oliva-Rodriguez, Manager visitors and community partners. Make sure to take Edinburg Scenic Wetlands time outdoors enjoying what your visitors enjoy and & World Birding Center building those relationships. Soon enough you may Take time to get to know your site, your staff and (if find yourself stuck behind a desk more often than you you are new to it) your community. Sometimes, we like, so making an effort now while you are new will want to hit the ground running, with all sorts of proj- help form and sustain those relationships in the years ects and ideas, but it is important to learn the histo- to come. ry of the organization and appreciate its role in the community. It’s also important to learn the skill set of Bryan Wood, Executive Director each of the staff, so that you can work to build a more Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center well rounded, cohesive team. Once you have gotten Develop close ties with a few peers that you can call the lay of the land, you will have a better understand- at anytime to talk through things. No one on your ing of how you can bring your ideas and skill set into nature center team knows exactly what you do and the fold, and be more successful in implementing your the stressors you deal with, but other EDs do and it is plan. important to have those friendships and support when things are rough.

22 Advice for New Directors (cont. from page 22) Corky McReynolds, Principal Bryan Wood, Executive Director LeadTeam, LLC Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center Leadership is never about the individual, it is always Setting up personal boundaries within your day (and about the people around and with you. You can’t do it taking vacations) to not think about work is what can alone, if you try, you will remain alone. allow you to stay in this for the long haul and ulti- mately be more effective. Tim Sandsmark, Education Supervisor Jefferson County Open Space Jen Levy, Executive Director Soaking in as much as you can from other profes- ANCA sionals is a great way to learn. When I started in the Don’t make personal sacrifices for the job. Do not give profession many moons ago, it was ANCA that helped up your pay or PTO in hard times. You earn both, it’s a me considerably (and still does). job, and you need to make sure everything you do can be sustained when it is time for someone else to have Jason Meyer, President/CEO the job. And make sure your staff do the same. We Blandford Nature Center need to provide jobs with fair pay, reasonable hours, Secretary — ANCA Board of Directors and less burnout. Get involved in ANCA - the resources of this organiza- tion are amazing, but the true treasure to be found are in the relationships that you can develop within this 4. CONTINUE TO LEARN group. Find your mentor(s), your friends, and your cohort as a new leader. You’ve already taken a great Bryan Wood, Executive Director first step by reaching out here. Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center Strive to continuously feel challenged or slightly un- comfortable with how much you are doing and where 3. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF your org. is. If you ever reach a point where you feel you have arrived and everything is fine with your org, Rich Patterson, Co-owner it is probably due to a lack of creativity and ingenuity. Winding Pathways You need to continue to push yourself and the organi- Retired Director, Indian Creek Nature Center zation forward, and avoid complacency. Take care of yourself and pace yourself. Many people who work in the environment and social services are Eileen Tramontana, Executive Director tremendously devoted to their cause. This is a huge Trout Lake Nature Center benefit and can be a curse. So, keep perspective. Take Also, things take much longer than you will expect. time for yourself and your family. They are the prior- Don’t get frustrated just know it is a process. ity. At work carefully pick your priorities and try to avoid spreading yourself so thin you fray at the edges. Corky McReynolds, Principal Many good people have suffered burnout, alcoholism, LeadTeam, LLC divorce, depression … so don’t let these awful things We can never know enough, our learning never stops. happen. Take time for fun. Enjoy your accomplish- If it does, then we have given up and it’s time to move ments. Cultivate friendships and hobbies that give you on. pleasure.

Vicky Runnoe, Conservation Education Supervisor Morrison Knudsen Nature Center These were only some of the responses to Jason Mar- Do not forget why you got into this field in the first tin’s question, so there’s more to see in the discus- place. Step away from your desk and tag along with a sion itself. Also see Director’s Guide to Best Practices group of kids on a program. Grab your binocs, stroll by Norma Jeanne Byrd on our Publications page. around the trails and see what you can find. Stand on your pond platform, bridge, overlook, or whatever you If you’re not already in the ANCA Google Group, have and just chat with some visitors. Go for a hike we invite you to join — and you don’t need to be an with your staff just to see what’s blooming, what mi- ANCA member; the Group is open to all.  grants have arrived, what mushrooms are up, whatev- er you want to discover together.

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