ANCA CONNECTS: Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute in Fort Davis, Texas

Date: Feb 16 2024

Description

Save the date for an enriching day of professional development and networking at Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute (CDRI) in Fort Davis, Texas.

This CONNECTS program offers you the opportunity to connect with peers while learning about the operations of nature centers, outdoor schools, and related organizations. You’ll also be able to 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.

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.

Registration

Registration will open in December.

Schedule

Fort Davis is on Central Time. Activities on Thursday are optional.

Thursday, February 15

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, February 16

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.