ANCA’s Core Values hold that we are a welcoming community and that we value learning and sharing. With these values in mind, we want to share operational updates to keep you informed about what’s happening behind the scenes at ANCA and how we’re working to support our mission. We hope this glimpse into our work helps you feel more connected — and maybe even gives you ideas for your own operations.
ANCA Partners with National Audubon Society
Earlier this year, ANCA formalized a new partnership with the National Audubon Society. Through this collaboration, all 32 National Audubon Centers have joined ANCA as Organization Members, strengthening our peer network and connecting their leaders and staff with the broader ANCA community.
Audubon centers serve as important community-based hubs for conservation and education. They protect natural spaces, provide educational programs, and create opportunities for community members to connect around a shared commitment to birds and the natural world.
Through ANCA membership, Audubon Center leaders will gain access to a trusted peer network of nature center professionals, exclusive resources and member communications, mentorship opportunitie, and members-only programs and events.
We also recognize the expertise Audubon leaders bring to the broader field, particularly in cultivating community engagement and advancing conservation goals. We look forward to the strengthened collaboration and collective impact this partnership will support.
New ANCA Membership Benefit: Discount on Lawrence Hall of Science’s Learning Platform
ANCA is offering a new membership benefit.
This year, the Lawrence Hall of Science (home of the BEETLES project, Reflecting on Practice, and much more) is expanding their professional learning services in an exciting pilot program. They have launched a membership-based, virtual professional learning platform to broaden access to professional learning across the STEM learning field.
ANCA members can now receive a 10% membership discount on the Lawrence’s learning platform. A pilot-year Organization Membership gets access to a variety of virtual, synchronous opportunities for all of your staff.
This is an excellent opportunity for ANCA member organizations to offer continuing professional development to their staff at all levels.
See the Lawrence’s Learning Platform here.
ANCA Joins 1% for the Planet as an Official Environmental Partner
ANCA has officially joined 1% for the Planet as a recognized environmental partner.
1% for the Planet is a global movement whose member businesses pledge to donate at least 1% of their annual sales directly to approved environmental nonprofits. Since its founding in 2002, 1% for the Planet has certified over $846 million in donations to environmental causes. The network consists of more than 6,000 business members and thousands of environmental partners in more than 110 countries.
Environmental partners must be referred by an existing 1% for the Planet member business — and in ANCA's case, that referral came from Digital Pollen Collective, a firm that brings strategic leadership and modern marketing solutions to nonprofits. ANCA is grateful for Digital Pollen Collective's support and confidence in our mission.
Businesses interested in joining 1% for the Planet and directing a portion of their annual sales to ANCA are encouraged to learn more at onepercentfortheplanet.org.
2026 ANCA Virtual Summit: Impact Report
In January we hosted the 2026 ANCA Virtual Summit, expanding access to high-quality professional development for staff at nature centers and related environmental organizations. The Summit gave professionals across the country the chance to build skills, exchange ideas, and strengthen the work happening in their organizations and communities.
This was the first event of its kind — we designed the Summit in direct response to member feedback calling for professional development that is both accessible and affordable.
While in-person programs remain a cornerstone of ANCA’s offerings, some members have limited capacity and funding to travel for professional development each year. The Virtual Summit created a flexible way for professionals to participate without stepping away from their essential work.
In attendance were 177 professionals who represented 121 organizations across North America. We surveyed Summit participants following the event, and found that:
- 83% of participants say that the Summit strengthened their organization’s capacity to fulfill its mission.
- 83% of Summit participants gained new knowledge or skills that they will apply in their work.
This impact will make a major difference at the 121 organizations that attended the Summit. These organizations collectively:
- Serve over 9 million visitors annually, offering outdoor recreation and social connection.
- Provide programs for over 897,000 K-12 students annually, engaging them in environmental education and promoting connection to nature.
- Protect over 94,000 acres of land, supporting healthy landscapes.
Together, these outcomes demonstrate how the Summit contributes to healthier communities and a more sustainable future.
