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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 370 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.

FIND A MEMBER

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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Graduate Programs & Trainings

If you're looking for a progressive graduate program that blends theory and practice within a professional learning community the following programs have been identified by ANCA as unique graduate experiences. The programs are specifically designed for students who wish to establish a career in environmental education. All are associated with ANCA member institutions that provide a professional learning community, professional mentors, and a national network of academic and nonprofit partners and fit the following criteria:

  • These are intensive and immersive programs that follow a cohort model where the current students start and finish the program together.
  • All are graduate level programs (Master’s/PhD/EdD level) with credits provided by an accredited, degree-granting institution.
  • All provide graduate level coursework and focused mentoring.
  • There is dedicated faculty at the organization that has some status of higher education distinction by the university partner, e.g. Adjunct faculty.
  • They blend theory, practical application, and experience within an intentional professional learning community.
  • Many of these programs are residential with students living on site or in shared housing with fellow graduate students.

Upcoming Events

ANCA CONNECTS: Jumpstart Your Q4 with Year-End Appeals That Work!

July 17, 2025 12:00pm MDT - 01:30pm MDT

2025 ANCA Annual Summit

August 25, 2025 - August 29, 2025

Full Calendar

Latest News

June 19th 2025
ANCA’s Fiscal Year begins July 1, and the new fiscal year brings updates to the Board of Directors.

June 17th 2025
Our field’s success depends on dedicated individuals like you, who care about the vital work of nature centers in connecting people with the environment.

May 14th 2025
Sudden AmeriCorps funding cuts have disrupted operations at nature centers across the US. Here we share lessons from how ANCA members are responding.