ANCA CONNECTS: Beaver Brook Association in Hollis, NH

Monday, May 4 — 9am-4:30pm ET

Strengthen your organization's impact through this day of connection and learning. Join us at Beaver Brook Association in Hollis, NH, for this ANCA CONNECTS program featuring professional development and networking, specifically for nature center professionals.

You’ll connect with peers from across the region, delve into the operations of nature centers and related organizations, and explore the Beaver Brook Association's campus while gaining firsthand insights from their facilities and programs.

You will be able to choose from a variety of sessions, all about nature center operations and management. This program will also include:

• A tour of BBA's new Education Building, emphasizing BBA’s commitment to sustainability and intentional design
• A keynote presentation
• Additional networking opportunities

This program is open to all professionals at nature centers and related environmental organizations. We welcome both ANCA members and non-members, as well as participants traveling from outside New England. 

Registration

Registration includes the full day of programming, a light breakfast, snack, and a boxed lunch. Registration fees are:

• $45 - ANCA Members and staff of ANCA Organization Members
• $65 - Non-Members

Register

Registration closes April 27.

Sessions

This CONNECTS will use an Open Space format where any participant can suggest a session topic; all participants then collectively decide which session topics will be held.

Sessions are discussion-based, where participants contribute to the conversation and a facilitator guides the dialogue to keep the discussions on track and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate. These discussions allow you to share with your peers, learn new ideas, and work together to find solutions.

If you suggest a topic and it is chosen as a session, you will be asked to introduce the topic and facilitate the discussion among the participants. Because all participants contribute to the conversation, as the facilitator you do not need to be perceived as the expert in the room; you can simply start the conversation and engage accordingly.

This system allows you to collaboratively create your experience, and provides the opportunity for you to be an active participant rather than a passive listener.

Session Topics

Topics may include any subject pertaining to the management of nature centers and related organizations, as well as trends in our profession. 

Examples of topics include:

About Beaver Brook Association

Beaver Brook Association (BBA) is a mission-driven non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the interrelationships in the natural world and encouraging the conservation of natural resources through education and land stewardship. BBA protects over 2,200 acres of land, maintains 35 miles of trails, and provides year-round environmental education for individuals of all ages.

BBA's campus at Maple Hill Farm includes a variety of themed gardens, a natural play area, a demonstration compost court, and a wildflower trail to explore. The organization is undergoing a $7.1 million capital campaign to build a new environmental education center and renovate current campus buildings. The new building is currently under construction, and is planned to open this summer.

Location

Address: 117 Ridge Road / Hollis, NH 03049

Lodging

A variety of lodging options are available nearby, and participants are encouraged to select the option that best meets their needs:

• Timber Post Bed & Breakfast (mention Beaver Brook Association to receive 10% off)
• Hampton Inn Nashua
• Courtyard by Marriott Nashua
• Double Tree by Hilton Nashua