Nature Centers Matter

Nature centers connect people with the natural world through education, conservation, and outdoor experiences. ANCA serves professionals at these organizations so that they achieve the greatest impact in their work.

Together, over 350 ANCA member organizations:

Serve 25 million visitors annually, offering opportunities for physical activity, mental restoration, and social connection.
Provide programs for 4 million K-12 students annually, engaging them in hands-on environmental education and sparking a lifelong connection to nature.
Protect over 1.1 million acres of land, fostering biodiversity.

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Membership that Empowers

ANCA members receive access to professional development, networking opportunities, and resources that are tailored to their unique work.

Membership benefits include:

affinitygroups

Access to peer network

Exclusive resources and communications

mentorship

Mentorship

ReciprocalProgram

Members-only programs and events

ReciprocalProgram

Reciprocal Program

discounts

Discounts

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Support ANCA

ANCA envisions a future where every nature center leader has the tools and support they need to expand access to nature for all. With your investment, we can protect green spaces, empower nature center leadership, and ensure that millions of people continue to experience the restorative power of nature.

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Southern Oregon University

The Master of Science in Environmental Education at Southern Oregon University equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become effective educators and leaders in the environmental education field. This student led program is cohort based and provides opportunities for graduate students to create and implement all aspects of place-based environmental education field programs. The field element, called Fall in the Field, delivered at several sites around Southern Oregon, includes non-residential and residential environmental education experiences designed for K-12 learners. Participants develop critical thinking skills through hands-on standards-aligned lessons incorporating Citizen Science, service learning, and other place-based curriculum.