ANCA Peer CONNECTS: Michigan [in-person]

Thursday, November 3, 2022, 9:30am - 3pm

Join your nature center peers for an in-person ANCA Peer CONNECTS meeting at Chippewa Nature Center (CNC) in Midland, Mich. This meeting is for any professional in the nature and environmental learning center community — we welcome both ANCA members and non-members along with professionals from outside Michigan to attend. 

Here you can learn in depth about the operations of nature centers 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 CNC, seeing their operations firsthand.

We look forward to gathering again in-person to connect and share ideas!

Schedule

9:30-10am	Registration and Networking
10am	Welcome
10:15-11:45am	Sessions
11:45am-12:45pm	Lunch and Networking Explore the Visitor Center, optional hikes
12:45-1pm	State Policy and New Initiatives Update from Heart of the Lakes Jonathan Jarosz, Executive Director of Heart of the Lakes, will provide an update on state level policy relevant to conservation and recreation, as well as provide details on a new urban conservation initiative. Heart of the Lakes is the collective voice for Michigan’s land conservancies and continues to build positive connections all sectors of the outdoor industry in Michigan.
1-2:30pm	Sessions
2:30-3pm	Wrap-up, Prize Draw, and Farewell

 

Sessions

At this CONNECTS meeting you will be able to choose from an assortment of facilitated 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. You do not have to sign up for these facilitated discussions in advance.

Morning Sessions

{slider Camp Planning|icon|closed}

Facilitated by Jenn Kirts, Director of Programs, Chippewa Nature Center

This session is a chance to reflect on last season to prep for the next. Come share ideas for success, discuss hiring challenges, seek solutions to ensure the safety of your campers and your staff, and ask questions of your colleagues. 

{slider Partnering for Land Management Solutions|icon|closed}

Facilitated by Tom Lenon, Director of Land & Facilities, Chippewa Nature Center, and Matthew Lindauer, Central Michigan CISMA Coordinator

Partnerships and funding solutions are key elements for the success of land management and invasive species control at any site. Join Chippewa Nature Center land management staff to see how they work with the Michigan DNR and Cooperative Species Management Area (CISMA) partners to find funding solutions to assist in implementing CNC’s land management goals. 

{slider Things to Keep and Things to Leave Behind from the Pandemic|icon|closed}

Facilitated by Dan Auer, Membership and Programs Coordinator, ANCA

Dennis Pilaske shared a great quote "COVID has informed every decision we have made over the past two years, but it has not changed our missions." The challenges from the pandemic give our organizations a chance to grow and change. Come together in this facilitated discussion to acknowledge the past but, more importantly, move forward!{/sliders}

Afternoon Sessions

{slider Programming Spaces for Young Children|icon|closed}

Facilitated by Steve Frisbee, Nature Day Camp Director and Jenn Kirts, Director of Programs, Chippewa Nature Center

Creating safe, engaging experiences for young children and their families is key to growing the next generation of stewards. Through a walking tour and discussion we will explore elements of programming spaces that help us serve our youngest visitors. 

{slider Hiring Challenges and Successes|icon|closed}

 Facilitated by Dennis Pilaske, Executive Director, Chippewa Nature Center

Across the county, hiring has never been more challenging. Are you assessing pay rates, and  benefits? What methods have you used to find staffing during this challenging time? Join this facilitated discussion to share ideas, ask questions, and dig deeper into current hiring challenges and successes.

{slider Prioritizing Animal Welfare: The Benefits of Happy and Healthy Animals for Your Nature Center|icon|closed}

Facilitated by Elizabeth “Lizzy” Schultz, Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center Coordinator

Our animal ambassadors connect visitors to nature in an exciting way! They create memorable experiences that can inspire people to help conserve and protect wildlife and the environment. But without prioritizing animal welfare, these “magical moments” with guests may come at the cost of an animal’s quality of life. Stressed animals mostly hide or lay still, while animals that feel safe and secure will explore and exhibit natural behaviors that visitors truly enjoy. Anyone that utilizes animals at their nature center are encouraged to join this roundtable to learn, share, and ask questions. You will leave this discussion with tools to implement systems that prioritize, maintain, and evaluate animal welfare, regardless of the amount of staff or resources you have.

{slider Kalamazoo Nature Center’s Carbon Action Plan|icon|closed}

Facilitated by Nathan J. Smallwood, President of Kalamazoo Nature Center, and Jessica Simons, VP Conservation Stewardship at Kalamazoo Nature Center

Kalamazoo Nature Center (KNC) has adopted a Carbon Action Plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035, not including offsets via carbon sequestration on its lands. The plan focuses on Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emission reductions from facilities and operations, and clean production from solar arrays.

Management of KNC's 1,500 acres historically focused on habitat health and visitor experiences. Using advanced remote sensing and modeling techniques to understand the carbon storage and sequestration capabilities of KNC’s forestland, KNC is now exploring how forests can be part of a broader climate response strategy.

In this session we will discuss KNC's carbon plan, challenges in measurement, reporting, as well as managing our forests as part of KNC's local response to the global climate crisis.{/sliders}

 

Registration

Registration has closed.

About Chippewa Nature Center

Chippewa Nature Center is one of the largest private non-profit nature centers in the United States. Through the years, CNC has grown from its original 198 acre parcel and an all-volunteer staff to include over 1,500 acres, 19 miles of trails, 50 staff members, and hundreds of volunteers. Over 70,000 people visit CNC every year, including 1,000 Nature Day Campers and thousands of school children.

Location

Address: 400 S Badour Rd, Midland, MI 48640
Directions on Google Maps

 

ANCA COVID Policy

ANCA strongly recommends that all participants who are eligible are up to date on COVID vaccinations. If you are traveling to an ANCA event on public transportation (including trains and planes) wearing a face mask is highly recommended during travel. If you are experiencing COVID symptoms or have received a positive diagnosis within 5 days preceding, please stay home. Any national, state, or local regulation, including an event host site regulation, that supersedes these recommendations will automatically be in effect.