Schedule & Programs

Friday, January 23

• 8-8:30am – Welcome and Announcements
• 8:30-10am – Concurrent Sessions 5
• 10:30am-12pm – Concurrent Sessions 6
• 12:30-2pm – Open Space Sessions 3

Friday, January 23

• 9-9:30am – Welcome and Announcements
• 9:30-11am – Concurrent Sessions 5
• 11:30am-1pm – Concurrent Sessions 6
• 1:30-3pm – Open Space Sessions 3

Friday, January 23

• 10-10:30am – Welcome and Announcements
• 10:30am-12pm – Concurrent Sessions 5
• 12:30-2pm – Concurrent Sessions 6
• 2:30-4pm – Open Space Sessions 3

Friday, January 23

• 11-11:30am – Welcome and Announcements
• 11:30am-1pm – Concurrent Sessions 5
• 1:30-3pm – Concurrent Sessions 6
• 3:30-5pm – Open Space Sessions 3

Friday, January 23

• 12-12:30pm – Welcome and Announcements
• 12:30-2pm – Concurrent Sessions 5
• 2:30-4pm – Concurrent Sessions 6
• 4:30-6pm – Open Space Sessions 3

Join us for a dynamic, interactive discussion focused on strengthening inclusive practices in nature centers. Together, we will share innovative strategies that successfully engage families from diverse cultural backgrounds as well as families with young children who are disabled.

This session will also highlight insights from my recent study of five Wisconsin nature centers, which revealed promising approaches for expanding meaningful access to the natural world for these underrepresented groups. Participants will have the opportunity to exchange successful practices, ask questions, and consider new ideas they can bring back to their own centers.

Given ANCA members’ commitment to equitable and community-centered programming, this topic offers timely and practical relevance for administrators seeking to broaden participation and deepen community impact.

Facilitator:

• Lenore Peachin Wineberg, Professor Emeritus, University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh

Lenore Peachin Wineberg is Professor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh. Throughout her academic career, she fostered strong student engagement in outdoor learning by integrating hands-on environmental experiences and coordinating regular instructional visits to local nature centers. Her research focuses on environmental education for young children and the role of parent involvement in early childhood learning. Her publications include “Play-Based Environmental Education in Wisconsin” and “Inspiring Pre-Service Early Childhood Teachers to Teach Outdoors.” She also has a manuscript currently under review titled “Nature Centers Blaze the Trail: Successful Outdoor Learning Practices for Young Children in Wisconsin.”

This facilitated discussion focuses on programming and opportunities at nature centers for this set of hard-to-figure-out ages (and related ages). At North Branch Nature Center and Westwood Hills Nature Center, we've long struggled with how to engage folks after they age out of summer camp and before they have small kids of their own. What do tweens, teens, and twenty somethings want? Why is nature connection important to them? Come hear about a few recent program successes at our two nature centers, and share your own ideas.

Facilitators:

• Naomi Heindel, Executive Director, North Branch Nature Center
• Mary Burch, Interpretive Naturalist and Camp Coordinator, Westwood Hills Nature Center

Naomi Heindel is the Executive Director of North Branch Nature Center in Montpelier, VT. She was once a tween, a teen, and a twenty-something, and much of her love of the natural world was born and sustained during those years.

Mary Burch is an interpretive naturalist and camp coordinator at Westwood Hills Nature Center in St. Louis Park, MN.

You've heard that "It can be lonely at the top." But you are not alone! Join fellow Executive Directors/Presidents/CEOs/Top Leaders to discuss how you navigate uncertainty and address tough, complex issues that (supposedly) only YOU can address. Gain perspective and enhance your decision-making and leadership skills to lead your organization with more clarity, courage and confidence.

Facilitator:

• Kay Carlson, President, Kay Carlson Consulting LLC

Kay Carlson is a seasoned nonprofit executive and coach with over 25 years of leadership experience at organizations including the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, The Nature Conservancy, and the Cuyahoga River Community Planning Organization. Renowned for guiding organizations through change, building strong teams, and empowering leaders, Kay now serves as a coach and consultant with Kay Carlson Consulting, LLC; Kessel Strategies; and The Suite Collective. She partners with executives to turn ideas into action and champions authentic leadership. Kay also serves on several nonprofit boards (including the ANCA Board) and enjoys traveling, biking, hiking, sailing, yoga and spending time with her family and a continual parade of foster pets in Chagrin Falls, OH.

Many of us would agree that nature center staff love the work they do. I've heard many stories of people finding their careers due to a lifelong interest in nature and I often hear administrators praise their team's passion. But what happens when your team takes a positive trait too far? Maybe their passion routinely leads to hurt feelings when they encounter feedback about a favorite project. Maybe they pitch new ideas constantly while the routine "to-do" list sits ignored. Maybe they jump in to help too quickly and struggle to understand when to step back and let someone else lead.

How do we guide the team back on track when their love of the job oversteps the reality of the moment? What strategies have worked well to keep your team focused and feeling good about the work they do? What scenarios have you stumped? And how do you keep yourself centered while balancing the many demands on your own time and attention?

This discussion is intended for those who manage or coach people. Before you join this session, spend a moment thinking of your own career journey, the teams you’ve led (past and present), and leaders who inspire you. We’ll need those stories to uncover common challenges and the best strategies to lead a team in a nature center environment. This program will help you identify common challenges, share strategies, and select the best fits to add to your tool kit.

Facilitator:

• Erica Prange, Director of Education, Nature Center at Shaker Lakes

Erica Prange has worked in informal education for over 15 years. She’s spent the last decade supervising teams and has worked on many collaborative projects. Throughout each of these different work communities, she’s noticed patterns where the same challenges pop up time and time again – her own work included! Erica is eager to hear your ideas and experiences to take back to her fabulous team at the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes in Cleveland, OH. As their Director of Education, she values the opportunity to lead and coach others in the field and is excited for this opportunity to share ideas.

Nature centers are inherently designed to connect people with the natural world, offering unparalleled opportunities for immersive learning—making them the ideal setting for early childhood education.

Why consider a nature-based preschool? Establishing a preschool within your nature center is more than just a new program; it’s a powerful strategy to diversify revenue streams, cultivate long-term membership, and build a dedicated pipeline of future conservation stewards starting at the earliest age. Moving beyond traditional indoor classroom models, this initiative can unlock immense benefits for children, families, and your organization.

However, translating this vision into a successful program requires careful planning across multiple domains. Join this facilitated discussion as we share the essential considerations and practical lessons learned from our recent experience launching a nature center-based preschool. We will unpack critical elements, including:

• Logistics & Infrastructure: Navigating facility requirements, site adaptation, and safety standards unique to a natural environment.
• Curriculum Integration: Developing a cohesive, nature-based curriculum that leverages your center's resources and mission.
• Operational & Financial Models: Exploring sustainable staffing, fee structures, and the administrative framework needed for long-term viability.
• Community & Stakeholder Engagement: Building successful partnerships with families, regulatory bodies, and internal nature center staff.

This session aims to move beyond simple concepts and help attendees begin to develop a practical framework and checklist for assessing the feasibility and ensuring the success of their own early learning initiative. Come prepared to share your questions, challenges, and ideas to help forge a path for the next generation of nature-based schools.

Facilitator:

• Amanda McMickle, Vice President – Education, San Antonio Zoological Society

Amanda McMickle is a recognized leader in the nature-based education field, known for her impactful work in program development and institutional governance. She successfully launched the country's largest nature-based preschool and has significant experience in strategic program refinement. Amanda actively supports the broader movement through a regional educator support group and holds leadership roles on the governing boards of the International Play Association (IPA) and Families in Nature. She also sits on the leadership board of Natural Start Alliance, which is the early childhood arm of the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE). She shares her practical knowledge by teaching the graduate course "Business Planning for Nature-Based Preschools and Forest Kindergartens" at Antioch University. Her current dissertation study focuses on professional development for nature-based learning, ensuring educators have the resources to sustain high-quality programming in a variety of school settings.

Are you thinking about retiring from your job or moving on to do something else? Does it feel overwhelming to think about how to actually go about doing that and when? Join fellow leaders for a confidential discussion about all the ins and outs of when and how to retire or leave your organization to do something else with your life in a way that won't leave your organization hanging and so that you can feel good about moving on.

Facilitator:

• Kay Carlson, President, Kay Carlson Consulting LLC

Kay Carlson is a seasoned nonprofit executive and coach with over 25 years of leadership experience at organizations including the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, The Nature Conservancy, and the Cuyahoga River Community Planning Organization. Renowned for guiding organizations through change, building strong teams, and empowering leaders, Kay now serves as a coach and consultant with Kay Carlson Consulting, LLC; Kessel Strategies; and The Suite Collective. She partners with executives to turn ideas into action and champions authentic leadership. Kay also serves on several nonprofit boards (including the ANCA Board) and enjoys traveling, biking, hiking, sailing, yoga and spending time with her family and a continual parade of foster pets in Chagrin Falls, OH.

“A world that limits women’s power and influence also robs itself of women’s talents and contributions.” — Melinda French Gates

Advancing women into leadership positions builds power and creates inclusive cultures at our organizations. One definition of leadership is the ability to guide and inspire staff to achieve organizational goals. Many of us strive to balance a demanding work schedule with personal responsibilities as we advance in our careers. How do we empower women to successfully climb the career ladder? What do women need to develop the necessary skills to thrive and grow in their profession?

Research shows that companies need to strategically prioritize and invest in career development for women. Join us for a lively discussion as we explore the challenges and joys of leadership so that we create meaningful and innovative pathways to success that is impactful, thoughtful, and inspirational. Let’s share our stories, challenges, and strategies for success.

Facilitators:

• Kitty Kish Pochman, Executive Director, Linda Loring Nature Foundation
• Jenn Wright, Executive Director, Grass River Natural Area

Kitty Pochman is the Executive Director of the Linda Loring Nature Foundation in Nantucket, MA whose mission is to preserve the biological diversity of the 275-acre property, connecting people to nature through education and research. The unique property primarily comprises wetlands and globally rare sandplain grasslands. She’s an executive leader with 35+ years of experience driving growth and transformation across environmental and science research nonprofits where she develops an organizational culture of respect and professionalism that blends creativity with strategy and operational excellence to drive innovation, collaboration, and measurable organizational impact. Kitty is a previous ANCA board member and a past President who continues to serve on the Governance Committee. A grandmother of 3, avid gardener, and competent but lazy birder who doesn’t keep a life list, she lives on the island with her husband and 2 Siamese cats, Comet and Coral.

Jenn Wright is the Executive Director at Grass River Natural Area in Bellaire, MI, whose mission is to manage the Grass River Natural Area, conserve and protect its watershed, and provide opportunities that increase knowledge, appreciation, and community-wide stewardship of the natural environment. Jenn graduated from Central Michigan University and has worked at both Chippewa Nature Center and Kalamazoo Nature Center, where she oversaw day-to-day operations. Jenn has diverse leadership experience/skills, and loves facilitating the development of strong organization culture. Jenn is a previous ANCA board member and currently serves in the Peer Consult community.  In her free time, she enjoys hiking, making stained-glass jewelry/art, and spending time with her husband and their French Brittanys Huma & Mabel on their northern Michigan property.

Aliza Yair and Kit Harrington will provide an overview of state-level outdoor and nature-based early learning policy efforts around the country, with an emphasis on licensing outdoor and nature-based early learning programs. We will facilitate a conversation with participants about unique considerations and opportunities for Nature Centers and Nature Center Administrators in this landscape. Existing state-level and national resources, including Natural Start's Recommendations for Licensing Outdoor, Nature-Based Programs, will be explored, along with the need for additional technical or advocacy supports.

Facilitators:

• Dr. Aliza Yair Aliza Yair Ed.D.
• Kit Harrington

Dr. Aliza Yair Aliza Yair Ed.D. is a systems-focused policy leader in nature-based early childhood education and child care. She is a consultant with Natural Start Alliance to support state-level ONB policy efforts, and serves Washington State DCYF as the Child Care Licensing Quality Assurance/ Continuous Quality Improvement Manager focusing on increasing equity in government services. Aliza led the WA Outdoor Preschool Pilot from 2017-2021, convening state-wide partners and drawing from international efforts to help Washington become the first U.S. state to define, regulate, and publicly fund outdoor nature-based child care as a distinct program model. Through her early career as environmentalist and an early childhood teacher, she understands the amazing benefits and social impacts of connecting children to nature. For the past decade, Aliza has shifted her professional focus on influencing early learning and care policies. She has a Masters in International Education Policy from Harvard's Graduate School of Education, and completed her Education Doctorate at the University of Washington in 2024. Aliza loves to dance and garden, and is dedicated to be in service to children and the earth. Kit Harrington

Kit Harrington is a long-time early educator, organizer and advocate. Kit founded one of the country's first outdoor preschools in Washington State, later establishing the Washington Nature Preschool Alliance and leading advocacy to pass the country’s first legislation to license outdoor and nature based childcare programs. A contributing writer behind the Nature-Based Preschool Professional Practice Guidebook, Kit works to improve access to the benefits of nature for young children as Senior Policy Advisor for the Natural Start Alliance, supporting the growing ONBECE Policy movement through efforts like the Regional Network Alliance and ONBECE Policy Network, and as the Director of Communications and Engagement for Voices for Vermont’s Children. Kit is passionate about creating spaces of belonging and inclusion, fostering responsive networks in the service of community-led advocacy, and exploring the natural world with her two young children.

This workshop is the culmination of two national studies that were funded by the National Science Foundation in partnership with ANCA and its members. These studies involved observing over 400 environmental education field trip programs, systematically monitoring the characteristics and pedagogical approaches used, and measuring student learning outcomes immediately after the programs. This work has produced important empirical findings and broad principles for better environmental education that are relevant for all nature center administrators and their staff.

Presenters:

• Bob Powell, Director of the Institute for Parks at Clemson University and the George B. Hartzog, Jr. Endowed Professor in the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management
• Kelley Anderson, Senior Research Associate, Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation at Virginia Tech and the Co-founder and Director of Social Science at Human Nature Group

Bob Powell is the director of the Institute for Parks at Clemson University and the George B. Hartzog, Jr. Endowed Professor in the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management where he teaches courses on interpretation, environmental education, and park and protected area management. As part of his research program, Bob has conducted several national studies in partnership with Marc Stern and Kelley Anderson (Virginia Tech) that was supported by the National Science Foundation and investigate the program characteristics that most powerfully influence learning outcomes in environmental education school field trips and interpretive programs for adults.

Kelley Anderson is a Senior Research Associate in the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation at Virginia Tech and the Co-founder and Director of Social Science at Human Nature Group.  Her research and evaluation efforts focus on environmental education and interpretation, organizational capacity building, adaptive management, and human behavior change. She has contributed to several national studies with Bob Powell and Marc Stern regarding best practices in informal education and interpretation. She received her Ph.D. from Virginia Tech in Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation, her M.S. from the University of Florida in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, and her B.S. from Virginia Tech in Forest Resources Management.

Does the thought of asking your board to fundraise make you cringe? You're not alone. Many nonprofit leaders struggle to engage their boards in development efforts — but it doesn't have to be this way.

This interactive workshop will transform how you think about board fundraising and give you practical tools to make it happen. We'll start by reframing the conversation: fundraising isn't about arm-twisting; it's about inviting your board into meaningful mission advancement.

You'll learn how to:

• Shift mindsets — Help board members see fundraising as relationship-building, not begging
• Lead with clarity — Set clear expectations and model the behavior you want to see
• Equip for success — Provide training, scripts, and support that build confidence
• Create accountability — Establish systems that keep fundraising front and center without creating resentment

Whether your board is fundraising-phobic or just needs a tune-up, you'll leave with actionable strategies you can implement immediately. This session is perfect for executive directors, development staff, and board members ready to unlock their organization's full fundraising potential.

Presenters:

• James Misner, Founder and Owner, The Kipos Group

James Misner is the founder of The Kipos Group, bringing over 20 years of fundraising leadership to help organizations grow their revenue and build thriving teams. He launched The Kipos Group in 2022 to support small and mid-sized nonprofits in scaling solutions to the world's most pressing challenges. James lives in suburban Washington, D.C. with his wife Sabrina and their three children. When not consulting, you'll find him hiking, skiing, or figuring out life on the small family farm he and Sabrina started in 2024.

An intentionally designed, high-quality professional learning system can help your organization shift instructional practice, support positive outcomes for learners attending your programs, and increase staff retention. But what makes an effective, high quality professional learning system and how can we build it?

We had the pleasure of presenting at ANCA's in-person summit in the summer, and were delighted by folks' engagement and positive feedback. We are returning to share the session again, adapted for the virtual setting. Join us to assess your organization’s current professional learning practices, learn from field-relevant research, and engage in generative discussion to explore conditions and elements that support the professional development of your staff.

Presenters:

• Mo Henigman, Projects Coordinator, Lawrence Hall of Science, UC Berkeley
• Corinne Calhoun, Program Designer/Facilitator and Partner Coordinator, Lawrence Hall of Science, UC Berkeley

Mo Henigman (they/them) is a Projects Coordinator at the Lawrence Hall of Science, UC Berkeley, contributing to research and professional learning projects by supporting program ideation and design, resource cultivation and maintenance, and communication between partners and across networks. Mo’s work as an educator has always been driven by their passion for fostering SEL-infused, learner-centered experiences.

Corinne Calhoun (she/her) is a program designer/facilitator and partner coordinator at the Lawrence Hall of Science (LHS), UC Berkeley where she co-develops a number of professional learning programs and environmental learning activities, instructional materials, and exhibits that advance equity and organizational systems change. In her role as a partner coordinator, Corinne enjoys connecting with community partners and organizations to understand how LHS resources and services can best support the field. Corinne additionally contributes to the environmental learning field as the Board of Directors Vice President for the CA Association of Environmental and Outdoor Education (AEOE).

In this workshop we will explore case studies on high-performance and sustainably designed facilities, that support conservation and carbon reduction efforts. Learn about opportunities within new construction and renovation that support reducing an organization's carbon footprint, as well as potential funding mechanisms through the Inflation Reduction Act to support Geothermal and Solar installations.

We'll specifically examine multiple case studies, including:

• Rehabilitating an over 100-year-old seed drying barn to an event center — while creating a renovated bat habitat for an existing colony
• Renovating a blighted building to a modern office while achieving Historic Preservation with Historic Tax Credits, On-Site Net Zero Energy, LEED Gold, and WELL Gold Certifications
• Utilizing Mass Timber for Cincinnati Public Radio's New LEED Gold Headquarters

Presenters:

• Brett Macht, RA, LEED AP BD+C
• Nikki Goldstein, RA, LEED AP BD+C
• Adam Luginbill, RA, LEED AP
• Amy Green, NQIDQ, GGP

Brett Macht, RA, LEED AP BD+C — Brett is an architect and principal of emersion DESIGN, the world’s first architecture and engineering firm to have a LEED Platinum office. With over 15 years of experience, Brett serves as emersion’s Cultural Market Leader, focused on master planning, design, and construction administration for high performing, regenerative, learning environments and cultural facilities. Brett has managed and designed complex, multi-phased projects ranging from small renovations to 250,000 sf educational facilities. He is personable, people focused, and values true collaboration. He always strives for high levels of team communication to ensure that expectations are clearly identified, met, and exceeded when possible. Brett enjoys working on home improvement projects with his wife; and building everything from woodworking projects to Legos with his children.

Nikki Goldstein, RA, LEED AP BD+C — In the ever-changing nature of architecture, Nikki uncovers the best possible outcomes at the intersection of cost, function, & aesthetics. With expertise in visualization, Her thoughtful approach and inquisitive nature allows her to sift through multiple design solutions to find the right fit for all stakeholders.

Adam Luginbill, RA, LEED AP — Adam has 25 years of experience predominantly focused on institutional markets that include higher education, cultural, non-profit, and federal government entities who value the design of high-quality buildings with low life-cycle costs. He actively looks for opportunities to make the best use of a project’s budget and develops solutions that address the most critical needs of the building and its users. Adam seeks to bring sustainable solutions to every project and was the LEED AP for the first LEED Platinum building in Ohio.

Amy Green, NQIDQ, GGP — Amy’s entire career has been centered on health and sustainability issues. Bolstered by her completion of the Yale University’s School of Public Health’s Climate Change and Health certificate program, she advances clients through the intersection of environmental awareness, intentional communication, and resilient interior design.

Nonprofit leadership requires navigating a uniquely complex relational landscape. Executive Directors are expected to cast vision, manage operations, steward resources, and lead teams while also reporting to a board of influential volunteers who bring a wide spectrum of experience, expectations, and authority. These dynamics are rarely named, yet they shape the daily reality of the role. Board members may include seasoned executives, professional experts, and community leaders with strong personal investment in the mission.

Without shared agreements, clear boundaries, and aligned communication practices, the relationship between Executive Director and Board can easily drift into confusion, tension, or unspoken assumptions. Strengthening this partnership is not a “nice to have” — it is foundational to healthy governance, strategic clarity, and organizational culture.

This two-part workshop offers an honest, practical, behind-the-scenes look at how these dynamics unfold in real time — and how they can be transformed. Participants will learn from the experience of Brooks Paternotte, who has led the Irvine Nature Center for 13 years, and Arianne Rice, a leadership coach and facilitator who partnered with Brooks and the Irvine Board throughout a year of transition and executive development. Together, they will share concrete examples of common pitfalls, relational tensions, and growth opportunities in board–executive relationships. Participants will gain insight into how trust is built over time through clarity, accountability, and consistent communication — and how self-awareness and emotional intelligence shape the effectiveness of every interaction.

The workshop will incorporate ample engagement, including participant questions, small-group exchanges, and reflective exercises. Attendees will leave with:

• Practical tools for strengthening board–executive collaboration
• Frameworks for roles, responsibilities, and meeting discipline
• Strategies for navigating discomfort, disagreement, and power dynamics
• Approaches to equitable participation and mission-aligned decision-making
• Skills to cultivate healthier organizational culture and accountable governance

By leveling up their relational leadership competencies and utilizing proven facilitation practices, Executive Directors will be better equipped to guide their boards toward clearer communication, stronger partnership, and more effective mission-driven leadership.

Presenters:

• Arianne Rice, ACC is a leadership coach, facilitator, and former nonprofit executive

Arianne Rice, ACC, is a leadership coach, facilitator, and former nonprofit executive with deep experience in mission-driven leadership. Trained in Brené Brown’s methodology and certified in EQ-i 2.0®, she helps Executive Directors and boards build trust and improve communication. She draws on her background working with boards and volunteers as both a nonprofit founder and ordained Episcopal clergy, bringing emotional clarity and practical tools to leaders navigating complex dynamics. Arianne is a frequent speaker on courageous leadership and the human side of organizational culture.

Evaluation has value! It helps investigate successes (to be shared with funders and donors), and shines the light on program improvement. Evaluation doesn’t have to be difficult, and is certainly not limited to boring surveys that people do not take anyway.

This session will explore why one evaluation methodology — embedded assessments — are your next best friend. Learn what they are and why they are especially relevant for nature center programs. Participants will gain resources and information about how to develop embedded assessments, and explore a case study of tools used by a nature center. By the end of the session, participants will have gained evaluation skills, especially assessment skills that are particularly relevant to their centers as informal science learning organizations.

Presenters:

• Rachel Becker-Klein, Ph.D., Founder of Two Roads Consulting
• John Harrod, Engagement Director, Partnership for the Delaware Estuary

Rachel Becker-Klein, Ph.D., is the founder of Two Roads Consulting, a small women-owned evaluation firm. Dr. Becker-Klein has over twenty years of experience as an evaluator, and has a Ph.D. in Developmental and Community Psychology. She has considerable experience developing and using participatory evaluation tools and methods. Dr. Becker-Klein, has been focusing on developing and piloting embedded assessments for STEM education programs in both formal and informal educational settings.

John Harrod is the engagement director for Partnership for the Delaware Estuary where he supports regional coalitions for improved water quality and climate resilience, and helps connect diverse audiences to the outdoors and affect positive environmental change. Prior to PDE, John worked in habitat and water quality conservation, community engagement, and environmental leadership for over 20 years, including directing the Delaware Nature Society’s DuPont Environmental Education Center. John serves on the ANCA Board of Directors. He is a horticulturist and avid student of regenerative agriculture.

Innovative technologies provide an outstanding opportunity to engage communities with the natural world using devices they are already familiar with. In this highly interactive session, John Bello, Assistant Director at Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve, and Joel Krupa, Chief Administrative Officer at Agents of Discovery, will explore how mobile Augmented Reality (AR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) can serve as a bridge, not a barrier, to place-based environmental learning. Participants will learn how AR and AI can be utilized by nature centers, preserves, and public lands to create interactive learning experiences that encourage movement, exploration, and curiosity about the world around them.

With features like text-to-speech and multiple language options, as well as a wide assortment of emerging AI-enabled and AI-powered functionality, such as voice-generated Missions, nature centers can create fun and engaging experiences that connect all members of their communities to nature. Innovations in AI allow the player experience to be even more personalized and interactive. Nature center staff can connect it to their choice of websites to ensure it provides accurate, relevant, and real-time answers.

As part of the workshop, participants will engage in hands-on learning by playing a demo “Mission” in the Agents of Discovery app. They will leave with practical ideas for integrating mobile AR and AI into their own sites to enhance educational programming and promote curiosity and movement for all.

Presenters:

• John Bello, Assistant Director, Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve
• Joel Krupa, Chief Administrative Officer at Agents of Discovery

John Bello is Assistant Director at the Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve, part of the School of Human Evolution and Social Change at Arizona State University. He manages site operations, staff supervision, program facilitation, and policy development, while advancing strategic planning and community outreach. Previously, he was Director of Education and Interpretation at Boyce Thompson Arboretum, leading departmental growth and program innovation. With a commitment to inclusive, community-centered learning, Bello designs impactful experiences that engage diverse audiences. His research focuses on nature play, safety, and risk management in the Sonoran Desert across age groups. He holds a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation from ASU and a Master of Arts in Museum Studies, reflecting his expertise in informal education, interpretation, and public engagement.

Joel will support John in his presentation. A passionate educator, Joel started his career as an intern in the office of former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. He has gone on to hold senior roles in private sector, public sector, and non-profit sustainability-oriented organizations. At Agents of Discovery, Joel collaborates with public and private organizations across the United States, Australia, and Canada to improve their visitor experience and enhance engagement with youth. He completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship at Harvard after earning degrees from UBC, Oxford, the London School of Economics, and the University of Toronto.

A strong mission and vision don’t begin with drafting language — they begin with clarity, conversation, and consensus. In this workshop, we’ll discuss the biggest downfalls nonprofits face when shaping mission, vision, and values (MVV), including the urge to create them by committee (hello, kitchen sink), the temptation to write something that “sounds nice,” and crafting statements for stakeholders — instead of with them.

We’ll explore what makes a weak MVV — and how to spot one instantly. The biggest test? Does your mission give you homework? If it doesn’t move people to action, shape decisions, or help you draw boundaries around what you will and won’t do, it isn’t a mission. It’s just words.

You’ll learn facilitation strategies for building real buy-in, so mission and vision become the reason your team shows up to work — not just a document they can’t remember. We’ll also cover how to give your ideas other “parking spots” (strategy, audiences, insights) so every good idea doesn’t end up in mission and vision by default.

Lastly, we’ll share strategies and tools for getting unstuck, when you need a mission + vision that moves you forward.

You’ll leave with a clearer, consensus-driven path toward mission and vision statements that are memorable, actionable, and (actually) useful.

Presenters:

• Kat Rothstein, Founder of Digital Pollen Collective

Kat Rothstein is the Founder of Digital Pollen Collective, a creative Collective that helps nonprofits create their best first impression and digital front door. With a background in film, marketing, and brand activations for clients like Google, Nike, and HBO – Kat now brings for-profit strategy and talent to mission-driven teams, helping them create their voice, visuals, and web presence that pull people in. She has served on 3 nonprofit Boards, and her work has been honored with multiple Web Excellence wins, Webby nominations, and branding wins from the Society of Typographic Arts. She is an English major by heart (and education), and is honored to do the work she does – which she describes as 'helping nonprofits meet themselves, with consensus.'

If Part 1 (Creating a Mission + Vision with Consensus) builds alignment and purpose, Part 2 brings that purpose to life. This session focuses on transforming your mission statement into something measurable, directional, and actively used across your organization.

We’ll unpack why many missions fall flat and fail to guide decision-making. Simply put, paragraphs can be inert. Saying what you do, versus why you do it isn’t a mission. And lastly, saying everything you do isn’t directional, it's descriptive. A measurable mission, by contrast, points an organization to one directional thing that moves your organization closer to its vision. It gives your team a clear sense of what progress looks like — something they can point to with shared pride.

The best way to ensure your mission is truly active — is to make it measurable. We’ll explore how to define metrics, wins, efforts, and milestones that bring your mission to life. This is a feel-good session: the opportunity to “show your work” in a way that donors, staff, and community partners can actually see.

By the end of Part 2, your mission will shift from a statement on paper to a practical, trackable framework — one that guides strategy, inspires your people, and moves you steadily towards your vision.

Presenters:

• Kat Rothstein, Founder of Digital Pollen Collective

Kat Rothstein is the Founder of Digital Pollen Collective, a creative Collective that helps nonprofits create their best first impression and digital front door. With a background in film, marketing, and brand activations for clients like Google, Nike, and HBO – Kat now brings for-profit strategy and talent to mission-driven teams, helping them create their voice, visuals, and web presence that pull people in. She has served on 3 nonprofit Boards, and her work has been honored with multiple Web Excellence wins, Webby nominations, and branding wins from the Society of Typographic Arts. She is an English major by heart (and education), and is honored to do the work she does – which she describes as 'helping nonprofits meet themselves, with consensus.'

A high-functioning Board of Directors with a diverse background, knowledge and skills, is essential to operating a successful non-profit organization. Their perspective and expertise can be a great asset to the Nature Center's leadership, resulting in more informed decision-making due to the variety of life experiences and skill sets represented. How do you ensure your Board of Directors is successful? You start by intentionally building the board strategically.

A tool that has been instrumental in aiding Carpenter Nature Center in building a diverse, engaged Board of Directors has been the Board Skills Audit. Participants will learn about strategies for identifying board member candidates, using a matrix to prioritize the representation of specific skill sets in board member candidates, and recruiting candidates.

Presenters:

• Jennifer Vieth, Executive Director, Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center

Jennifer Vieth has been the Executive Director of Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center for 13 years and has worked in the non-profit sector for 33 years. Her experience working with vibrant Board of Directors includes sixteen years on the board of the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union. She has also served on the Hastings Environmental Protectors Board of Directors and currently serves on both the Board of Directors of the Hudson Chamber of Commerce and the Tourism Advisory Board for the Hastings Chamber of Commerce. She is licensed Master Bird Bander and a certified Regional Course Conductor for the U. S. Curling Association. She is a native of Canada and currently lives in the St. Croix Valley with her husband and two children.

Effective storytelling and communication does not have to be expensive, and the creative tools you have at your disposal may surprise you! This hand-on workshop is designed to help organizations identify and utilize ways to improve messaging with limited resources. Through a combination of large group presentation, small group discussion, and hands-on activities, we will dive into ways you can identify, organize, and use tools to help increase the efficacy of your storytelling. Participants will leave the workshop with the core skill of maximizing existing resources to create and implement an effective marketing and communications strategy for 2026.

Presenter:

• Brennan Patrick Gillis, Director of Marketing and Communications, Canyonlands Field Institute

Brennan Patrick Gillis is a writer, wilderness guide, and explorer of the Colorado Plateau. He works as the Director of Marketing and Communications for the Canyonlands Field Institute, and has spent the last decade of his career furthering the goals of nonprofit organizations across the United States through writing, consulting, and administrative support. He is an expert at supporting an organization's journey of identifying and leveraging resources as effectively as possible.

Since 2006, the Kalamazoo Nature Center’s (KNC) stewardship crew has helped to address the growing land management needs within KNC’s own 1,500 acres and on the lands of partners and clients across southwest Michigan. Over recent years, growth in the team’s size, technological capabilities, strategic outlook, community partnerships, and volunteer engagement have led to impactful new opportunities in invasive species management, prescribed fire, forest carbon management, and installation of native plantings. This presentation will provide an overview of KNC's expanded crew staffing model, new data management approaches, enhanced planning efforts, a diversified funding strategy, innovative climate resilience actions, and ambitious future goals.

Presenter:

• Jessica Simons, Vice President for Conservation Stewardship, Kalamazoo Nature Center

Jessica Simons has served as the Vice President for Conservation Stewardship at the Kalamazoo Nature Center since 2018. She oversees KNC's land management, research, ecological services, and conservation engagement activities. She previously founded Verdant Stewardship, a consulting business that provided long-term planning and support for a variety of natural resources management concerns. Simons previously served as a trustee for the Great Lakes Forest Products Society and was a co-founder of the Cerulean Center. She has a B.A. in Biology from West Virginia University and a M.S. in Natural Resources from the University of Michigan.

Directors, board members, and staff all approach a site planning process from different perspectives and with different objectives. It is critical to build a collaborative vision starting with the planning process itself. We will discuss the core components of a holistic master planning process – but more importantly we will outline ten direct impacts that together build a foundation toward realization that serve new audiences, deliver dynamic programs, and advance the mission. We will also share a few case studies to illustrate how these ideas have been successfully applied.

Presenters:

• Andrew Duggan,  Principal & Partner, Studio Outside
• Brian Halsell, Principal, Studio Outside

Andrew Duggan has been working with the team at Studio Outside for 25 years. As a father of four, he is passionate about creating meaningful experiences for children of all ages out in nature. He has worked with numerous nature centers and camp organizations across the country including Audubon, State Parks, Girl Scouts, the Y, and 4-H. His nature center and botanical garden design projects always seek to forge a connection between mission and site experience, yielding a site that is as inspiring for guests as it is efficient and functional for staff.

Brian Halsell, a Master Naturalist and Studio Outside’s in-house horticultural expert, brings over 15 years of experience in natural systems, native plants, and sustainable site design. He leads multidisciplinary teams with a whole-systems approach, integrating mission, budget, and experience into projects such as botanical gardens, nature centers, and youth camps. A passionate advocate for education and conservation, Brian speaks on native plants and volunteers with local parks and nature centers.