Events
ANCA CONNECTS: Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute in Fort Davis, Texas [Postponed]
- Date
- Oct 06 2023
Description
This CONNECTS program has been postponed to February 16, 2024.
Join your peers for this in-person ANCA CONNECTS program at the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute (CDRI) in Fort Davis, Texas. This program is for any professional in the nature center and environmental learning center community — we welcome both ANCA members and non-members along with professionals from outside Texas to attend.
At this event you can learn in depth about the operations of nature centers, outdoor schools, and related organizations, and engage with peers who understand the challenges you face. Beyond programs, too, you will have the opportunity to visit and explore the CDRI Nature Center and Botanical Gardens, seeing their operations firsthand.
In the afternoon, participants will be able to choose from an assortment of Open Space discussions, sessions where all participants contribute to the conversation. Facilitators guide the dialogue but do not give a formal presentation. These discussions are an excellent opportunity to share with your peers, learn new ideas, discuss trends in the profession, and work together to find solutions.
Schedule
Fort Davis is on Central Time. Activities on Thursday are optional.
Thursday, October 5
| 2-5pm | Visit Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center & Botanical Gardens independently. Explore five miles of hiking trails (with excellent birding), visit the Botanical Gardens, Cactus Museum Collection, and Mining Heritage Exhibit. |
| 6pm | Dinner at the Blue Mountain Bar & Grill in Fort Davis. At the Hotel Limpia — the address is 101 Memorial Square / Fort Davis. You are responsible for dinner expenses. |
Friday, October 6
| 7:30-9am | Birding Join CDRI for an early walk on the trails. |
| 9-9:30am | Check-in A light breakfast and coffee will be available. |
| 9:30-10am | Welcome to CDRI |
| 10-10:30am | Intro to ANCA |
| 10:30-11am | Break Snacks provided. |
| 11am-12:30pm | Tour of the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute Enjoy a guided tour of the Botanical Gardens, including the Pollinator Garden and the Cactus Museum Collection, to learn more about CDRI’s center and programming. |
| 12:30-1:30pm | Lunch and Networking |
| 1:30-2pm | Open Space planning |
| 2-3:30pm | Open Space Sessions |
| 3:45-4pm | Wrap-up and Farewell |
About the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute
Located four miles from Fort Davis, the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute (CDRI) is a nonprofit organization established in December 1973. The 507-acre site is composed of semi-desert grasslands and igneous rock outcrops. Open year-round, CDRI offers over five miles of hiking trails, in addition to the Desert Botanical Gardens, the Maxie Templeton Cactus Museum Collection, the Bird Blind, the Heritage Mining Exhibit, and the Geologic Timeline display in front of the Powell Visitor Center. Inside the Visitor Center, you'll find more exhibits and information, plus the thoughtfully appointed Nature Center Gift Shop.
Location
Address: 43869 St. Hwy 118 / Fort Davis, TX 79734
Directions on Google Maps
Nearby Lodging
If you're looking for a place to stay overnight, see these options:
