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Association of Nature Center Administrators

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2023 Residential Environmental Learning Center Summit - Association of Nature Center Administrators

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January 13-17 at The Ecology School in Saco, Maine The Residential Environmental Learning Center (RELC) Summit brings together executive directors, education directors, and other leadership staff from RELCs and outdoor schools across North America. These centers share the unique challenges of housin…

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Unique donor appreciation and retention ideas

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Unique donor appreciation and retention ideas

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Tribute Gifts

Remembering Through Nature

Honor a special person, commemorate an occasion or milestone, or remember the life of a loved one through a gift to Cincinnati Nature Center. A personalized note acknowledging your donation (without referencing the size of the gift) will be forwarded to the honoree or family of the memorial recipient.
Give a gift in Honor of an individu al. Give a gift in Memory of an individu al.

Tribute Dedications
Honor, Remember, Reconnect
The natural beauty and peacefulness of Cincinnati Nature Center creates the ideal setting in which to honor a loved one, pay tribute to a friend, or mark a special occasion. Our Tribute Dedication program is an extension of our honorarium and memorial program, through which an individual may purchase a bench, plaque, or other marker to be placed at the Nature Center.

There are several tribute options available; please scroll down for more information on what is available. To learn more about our tribute dedication program or to purchase a tribute item, please email gifts@cincynature.org.

Commemorative Benches-$7,500

Trail Benches are black iron-framed with light brown composite slats made of recycled plastic. Each bench is 6' wide with a back and arm rests. The iron frame is painted black, and slats are light brown.

Garden Benches identical to trail benches, but are constructed with wooden slats instead of composite materials. They are placed in one of the following locations:

1. The Krippendorf Celebration Garden

2. The Groesbeck Native Garden

3. Gardens adjacent to the Rowe Visitor Center

4. Along the Discovery Trail.

Each memorial bench includes a standardized, 2"h x 6"w metal plaque formatted as shown below. Deviations from this standard will be considered on an individual basis, and additional charges, if appropriate, will be included.

Commemorative benches will be maintained in reasonable condition for 10 years, after which the donors will be given the option of renewing their commitment. If the donors do not wish to commit to another 10-year placement, the bench will be renewed with new slats and made available for other donors.

Cincinnati Nature Center is not responsible for replacing benches that are damaged or destroyed due to acts of nature. Exceptional circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

All benches are placed in specific locations that have been pre-selected by Nature Center staff. We gladly accept requests for placement in a specific area, but we are not always able to accommodate these requests. Cincinnati Nature Center reserves the right to relocate benches temporarily or permanently. Should this occur, we will contact the purchaser with the new location.

Payments for commemorative benches secure donors a bench and an area appropriate for placing the bench for 10 years. However, payments do not convey control, reservation, or ownership of the benches nor of the areas reserved for their placement.

Cincinnati Nature Center is unable to accept donations of other commemorative benches.

Benches may not be decorated or adorned with flags, flowers, or other items.

Speciality Garden-$7,500

Specific areas within the Celebration and Groesbeck Gardens are designated as special native plant re-introduction areas. Horticulture and Plant Propagation staff plant rare, sensitive, and other specimen plants in these zones that are not otherwise widely represented on our grounds.

These planting include shrubs and trees as well as perennials. Uniquely, the plant palettes chosen for these areas include both native as well as non-native, legacy plantings intended to pay homage to the botanical legacies left to us by Carl Krippendorf or Grace Groesbeck. By dedicating a garden area to a loved one, you are also helping us to maintain and supplement the biodiversity of our site.

Terms

Each garden is approximately 350 to 400 square feet and includes a commemorative plaque affixed to a stone centered in the area.

Each garden zone will be maintained for 10 years, after which time the donor will be able to renew their commitment to the area. If a donor chooses not to renew their commitment, the area will be made available to another donor.

Cincinnati Nature Center reserves the right to reasonably alter the garden based on the performance of the plants, the needs of the horticulture department, or to support the health and safety of our visitors. If significant changes are deemed necessary, the donor will be contacted and offered alternative areas if they area desired.

Contributions for the garden area do not convey ownership or control of the area.

There are currently two available garden zones, both of which will become specialist pollinator gardens. Many insect pollinators have relationships with specific types of plants that are often lacking in today's suburban and residential areas. By creating gardens that are supportive of these specialist pollinators, we will ensure that our region's pollinator community stays healthy and productive!

Specialist Pollinator Shade Garden: Located in the southern half of the Celebration Garden, this garden may contain a mixture of shade natives such as coral bells, wreath golden rod, Canada violets, hollies, foam flower, and similar forest wildflowers.

Specialist Pollinator Sun Garden: This garden will be installed in the northern half of the Celebration Garden. Here, a variety of sun-loving perennials will be planted to support native bees. Native roses, coral berry, hibiscus, and creeping phlox - among others - will provide much needed food resources for specialist pollinators.

The foundation stones of the seating walls located in the northern section of the Celebration Garden are great opportunities to honor or memorialize a loved one. These stones are available on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Decorative Fence Panels-$2,500 per panel

Resembling snowflakes, the "prairie pattern" on these fence panels are intended to echo the Arts & Crafts movement that so heavily influenced the architecture of Krippendorf Lodge. These panels provide definition of space and welcome visitors to explore the paths that meander through the garden.

Each panel comes with a small 2"h x 6"w metal plaque formatted as shown below. Deviations from this standard will be considered on an individual basis, and additional charges, if appropriate, will be included.

Panels are installed in groups of 3, and donors have the option to purchase 1, 2, or 3 panels.

Panels will be maintained in reasonable condition for 10 years, after which the donors will be given the option of renewing their commitment. If the donors do not wish to commit to another 10-year placement, the panel will be made available for other donors.

Cincinnati Nature Center is not responsible for replacing panels that are damaged or destroyed due to acts of nature. Exceptional circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

We are unable to accept requests to place panels in specific locations.

Tribute Tree-$1,500

Cincinnati Nature Center regularly coordinates the planting of trees as a part of ongoing habitat restoration efforts as well as for beautifying our gardens and built environments. Tribute Trees allow family and friends the opportunity to remember or honor a loved one by directly supporting the conservation of our natural areas.

Each $1,500 contribution supports the planting of one native tree or 3 native shrubs. For each contribution, donors and individuals being honored receive a card recognizing the honor with a frameable commemorative photo. Family members of those being memorialized receive a card recognizing the contribution with a frameable commemorative photo.
Terms

Adoption of a Tribute Tree does not convey ownership or adoption of a specific tree.

When possible, donors may have the opportunity to select a specific tree planting project to which they would like to contribute, but CNC reserves the right to re-direct any and all funds towards higher priority tree planting projects if necessary.

All of the proceeds from the Tribute Tree program are directed towards the conservation of woodlands at the Cincinnati Nature Center, which includes the planting of new trees and the protection of existing ones (e.g., removal of invasive vines, emerald ash borer treatment, etc...)

The availability of trees and restoration areas changes by season.

Frameable photos do not represent a specific tree being purchased by the donor. Rather, the photos provide a representative image of the species of tree being planted, or of the woodland in which it is planted. Photo selection is at the discretion of staff.

Current Tree Planting Project
Midwest Oak Savanna at Long Branch Farm & Trails

The Department of Conservation is currently converting a 6-acre row-cropped field into a Midwest oak savanna. These savannas are among the most threatened habitats on earth. Few other North American habitats contain greater botanical diversity. Unfortunately, because of rapid urbanization, irresponsible development, and the suppression of natural fires, Midwest oak savannas now cover a mere 0.06% of the areas they once covered.

For More Information

For information on purchasing a Celebration Garden tribute, please email us at gifts@cincynature.org.

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Cincinnati Nature Center | Support Us | Tribute Gifts | Make a Tribute Donation

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Tribute Gifts Honor a special person, commemorate an occasion or milestone, or remember the life of a loved one through a gift to Cincinnati Nature Center. A personalized note acknowledging your donation (without referencing the size of the gift) will be forwarded to the honoree or family of the memorial recipient.

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"Working with (my Mentor) has been invaluable and incredibly constructive. We have had three great sessions that have already directly benefited our programs and organization. Thank you so much for this mentorship program, it's just the best!" - ANCA Mentee

1. If I have questions or concerns about my Mentor/Mentee pairing, who should I contact?

If you have any concerns or questions about your Mentor/Mentee pairing, contact us.

2. When will I be notified of my Mentor/Mentee pairing?

After you complete the Mentor Program Form, and have been contacted by an ANCA staff member, we will get to work finding you a Mentor/Mentee match. Depending on the time of year and your challenges or skills it could take up to a month before we are able to find the best pairing for you.

3. How long does the mentorship last?

This will depend on the Mentor/Mentee pairing. Some pairings will last through a career, while other pairings only work for one issue or challenge during a career. If there is any question about whether or not it is time to end a mentorship, we recommend you read pages 11-12 of the ANCA Mentee Handbook linked to above.

4. Are my expectations of my Mentor realistic?

Expect your Mentor to listen and give you honest feedback, but do not expect them to have answers to every question. You will work with your Mentor to prioritize and focus on what is most important and realistic for both of you to accomplish in the next 6 months. It will be important to stay focused on these priorities and not burn yourself, or your Mentor, out.

5. Why should I become a Mentor?

You should become a mentor because you have experiences that may be directly applicable and beneficial to another administrator giving you a unique opportunity to strengthen the field. Even if you are a new director, chances are you already have these applicable experiences. We need you to apply to be a mentor!

"It is mind boggling for me to admit that since 1996 I've been a mentor. Why me? Because I love what I do and feel we can all make a difference in our community. Am I intimidated? No, I have strengths and areas that are still being developed just like the rest of you. What do I gain? Knowledge about a different organization and their successes and challenges. The hopes and dreams of someone who wants to be their best self and grow. A pulse on what's going on out there. Finally and maybe most importantly a new friend. Think about what you do every day. For me the relationships that I have contribute to the person I am. Have no fear. Reach out and make a friend. Help someone grown breath, find success" - Helen Fischel, ANCA Emeritus Member

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Mentor Program - Association of Nature Center Administrators

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34;Working with (my Mentor) has been invaluable and incredibly constructive. We have had three great sessions that have already directly benefited our programs and organization. Thank you so much for this mentorship program, it's just the best!" - ANCA Mentee The ANCA Mentor Program foster...

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THE ANCA ANNUAL SUMMIT provides the unique experience of connecting with other nature and environmental learning center administrators in person. There is no better way to discuss and share your questions, challenges, and lessons learned than directly with your peers at this empowering event.

The 2023 Summit will take place August 21-25 at The Ecology School in Saco, Maine. Please check back here later for more information.

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2023 Annual Summit - Association of Nature Center Administrators

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THE ANCA ANNUAL SUMMIT provides the unique experience of connecting with other nature and environmental learning center administrators in person. There is no better way to discuss and share your questions, challenges, and lessons learned than directly with your peers at this empowering event. The 20...

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Calendar - Association of Nature Center Administrators

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The Association of Nature Center Administrators promotes and supports best leadership and management practices for the nature and environmental learning center profession.