ANCA Annual Summit 2024: Natural Spaces, Urban Places Participant Photo Directory! by Daniel Auer https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh Click the plus sign at the bottom right. Introduce yourself, add a picture of yourself at your site or a favorite place, ask questions, make connections, and have fun! Use the list icon at the bottom left to see a list of participants who have contributed. Please also add what kind of center you work at and how many summits you have attended. en-us 2024-08-26 14:02:21 UTC 2024-09-09 21:29:17 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-uploads.storage.googleapis.com/1504234218/ab0b23156a3095dc5a6c653ab4062790/ANCA_leaf_circle_social_tan_w_green_outline.png Lichterman Nature Center, Quince Road, Memphis, TN ANCAmembership https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3088586279 Welcome to the 2024 Summit, September 9-13, at Lichterman Nature Center (LNC), part of the Museum of Science & History (MoSH) in Memphis, Tennessee.

]]> 2024-08-26 14:05:45 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3088586279 Daniel Auer (he/him) ANCA Director of Programs & Member Services ANCAmembership https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3088648727 Hello! I'm looking forward to seeing everyone in Memphis very soon. This will be my 4th Annual Summit.


Before coming to ANCA, I worked at both Overnight Outdoor Schools and Nonprofit Nature Centers.

]]> 2024-08-26 14:46:03 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3088648727 Asa Duffee (he/him), ANCA Director of Marketing & Communications ANCA_Marketing https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3088746612 Hello! I'm thrilled to see everyone in Memphis. I've worked with ANCA for over five years, and this is my fourth in-person Summit. Before working with ANCA, I worked at two ANCA member organizations in eastern Indiana. I now live in Yellow Springs, Ohio.


I play the Irish flute and tin whistle, and hope to have time for music-making with other Summit participants! Please bring an instrument if you play.

]]> 2024-08-26 15:52:59 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3088746612 Silver Lake Nature Center, Bath Road, Bristol, PA https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3089103856 The location is my former work site. While at the Summit, I will be conducting a facilitate session designed for Government and joint operation centers to build a network of peers. If you are coming, bring lots of business cards!

]]> 2024-08-26 20:39:16 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3089103856 Indian Creek Nature Center, Otis Road Southeast, Cedar Rapids, IA https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3089112866 I'm looking forward to meeting so many new people. The Summit is a fantastic way to get to know people, celebrate successes, and share challenges. There is tremendous opportunity for us all!


John Myers

Executive Director

Indian Creek Nature Center

]]> 2024-08-26 20:50:27 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3089112866 110 S Poplar St, Wilmington, DE 19801, USA https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3089145960 John Harrod, Engagement Director, Partnership for the Delaware Estuary. Prior to PDE, I directed an urban environmental education center. This will be my 3rd Summit. I look forward to seeing all of you. www.delawareestuary.org


]]> 2024-08-26 21:32:58 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3089145960 Severson Dells Nature Center, Montague Road, Rockford, IL https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3089146200 I'm looking forward to a great week in Memphis with other nature center leaders. It's always an inspiring group to be around and to learn from.

]]> 2024-08-26 21:33:25 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3089146200 Colorado Springs, CO https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3089179574 Looking forward to my first ANCA summit!


Theresa Odello

Division Manager - Recreation & Cultural Services

El Paso County

Bear Creek Nature Center & Fountain Creek Nature Center

]]> 2024-08-26 22:23:41 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3089179574 Water Resources Education Center, City of Vancouver, WA https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3089275118 Hi! I'm Kristin Smith. Can't wait to meet everyone at the Summit, share stories, experiences, and challenges and come away feeling rejuvenated, connected, and grateful for ANCA peeps, ANCA staff, and ANCA resources! Looking forward to seeing you all soon!

]]> 2024-08-27 00:17:15 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3089275118 Vermont Museum of Natural History and Pool Nature Center- Marlboro, VT https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3089558579 Excited to be coming to my first ANCA summit as a new Executive Director.

Our Museum/Nature Center is in a time of transition and I have LOTS of questions :D

]]> 2024-08-27 02:46:25 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3089558579 Shannon Moore (she/her), Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3089753770 I'm excited to attend my first ANCA Summit! Although I'm traveling from Homer, AK, and have lived here for almost 7 years now, I am originally from Alabama and hope to readjust to the heat. ;) I am the School Program Coordinator for Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies, an environmental education non-profit, and also manage our semi-remote field station across Kachemak Bay.

]]> 2024-08-27 04:58:04 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3089753770 Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, North College Street, Auburn, AL buckmmd https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3090312562 Always very excited about ANCA - this will be my 4th summit.


I've been the director of the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center at Auburn University in Auburn, AL for almost 6 years. And previously I was the director of the tropical butterfly exhibit at Callaway Gardens for 11 years. I'm an avid naturalist, love the outdoors, and cannot wait to explore Lichterman!

]]> 2024-08-27 13:09:43 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3090312562 Springfield, MO david2217 https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3090440610 I'm Dave Catlin. I have worked from Springfield, MO, since 1987, but have participated in projects all over the country since 2001. I have been to every ANCA Summit but two since 1992.

]]> 2024-08-27 14:28:53 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3090440610 Armand Bayou Nature Center, Bay Area Boulevard, Pasadena, TX https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3090553475 Armand Bayou Nature Center is one of the largest urban wildlife preserves in the United States with more than 2,800 acres. We protect three rapidly disappearing habitats that were once dominant along the Gulf Coast: Texas coastal tall grass prairie, estuarine bayou and brackish water marsh, and riparian forest.

]]> 2024-08-27 15:38:48 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3090553475 Nantucket Island, Massachusetts kpochman https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3090838968 Kitty Pochman

Executive Director

Linda Loring Nature Foundation

]]> 2024-08-27 19:00:30 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3090838968 Seth Engelbourg, LLNF, Nantucket, MA https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3090895839 Hi All, Seth from the Linda Loring Nature Foundation on Nantucket. This will be my third in-person summit and I also attended the two virtual ones. Excited for Memphis!

]]> 2024-08-27 19:51:48 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3090895839 DNR Outdoor Adventure Center, Atwater Street, Detroit, MI https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3092279227 I'm looking forward to meeting everyone and gathering resources. This is my first conference - I just become the director in June.

]]> 2024-08-28 14:23:54 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3092279227 Oakland Nature Preserve, Machete Trail, Oakland, FL nobrien57 https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3092317189 Hello! I am Nicole O'Brien with Oakland Nature Preserve just west of Orlando, Florida. We are a small nonprofit on 150 acres with the aim to educate visitors, preserve and restore the land. This is my first Summit - I am moving from Volunteer/Animal Care Coordinator to Managing Director at the end of September. I am looking forward to connecting with you all!

If anyone is arriving on Sunday, I will be doing some sightseeing in downtown on Sunday and going to the zoo and maybe the botanic garden on Monday prior to hotel check-in. Would love to have someone join me for a few hours.

]]> 2024-08-28 14:46:39 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3092317189 Crane Hollow Preserve https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3092622311 I'm excited to meet so many new attendees and catch up with old friends. CHP is a 1,988 acre nature preserve in the heart of the Hockings Hills, within Appalachian Ohio. This will be my 7th (I think) ANCA Summit.

]]> 2024-08-28 18:17:48 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3092622311 Tim Gels, Land Trust of North Alabama, Huntsville, AL https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3092758055 I'm Tim Gels (he/him), and I'm looking forward to my first ANCA Summit! The Land Trust is in the process of building our Nature Discovery Center, and as our Education Director I'm excited to learn from some of the best during my time in Memphis!

]]> 2024-08-28 20:07:24 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3092758055 Dodge Nature Center – Main Property, Marie Avenue West, West Saint Paul, MN https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3092763214 Looking forward to meeting you all!!

]]> 2024-08-28 20:13:42 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3092763214 Grass River Natural Area, Alden Highway, Bellaire, MI https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3093105089 Looking forward to seeing everyone at the Summit! I will be attending with our executive director, Jenn Wright.

]]> 2024-08-29 01:50:08 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3093105089 Oklahoma City, OK lance64 https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3094240243 Hello! I'm Lance Swearengin from Red Ridge Nature Preserve in Oklahoma City. I'm attending my first ANCA conference and looking forward to meeting everyone for networking in Memphis!

]]> 2024-08-29 16:21:17 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3094240243 Clarksville, MD https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3094394307 Hey I am James from The Kipos Group...we help small and mid-sized nonprofits raise more money, including some of you! Cant wait to meet you all next week in Memphis! Our family moved this spring onto a piece of land that we are slowly converting into a farm--so lots in common with a lot of you!

]]> 2024-08-29 18:25:14 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3094394307 Cope Environmental Center, Airport Road, Centerville, IN https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3095685964 Hello! This is my first Summit! I have been with Cope Environmental Center for 2 years I still feel very new in some ways. I look forward to building my network and learning from others.

]]> 2024-08-30 14:53:49 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3095685964 Caesar Creek Nature Center, Pioneer Village Road, Waynesville, OH https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3095730179 We have just finished phase one of the Janet Lasley legacy gardens and educational area. It took over a year to accomplish this with many volunteers contributing..

Rick Hoffman President Nature Center Association of Caesar Creek

]]> 2024-08-30 15:34:37 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3095730179 North Palm Beach, FL, USA https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3100572434 Hello! I am Veronica Frehm, coming from North Palm Beach, FL.


I can't wait to see you all at the summit! Last year's gathering made me feel rejuvenated and gave me inspiration in so many ways - looking forward to being around incredible ANCA people again soon.

]]> 2024-09-03 17:43:19 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3100572434 Louisville, KY https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3100785917 Louisville Nature Center is in the heart of Louisville, with 80 acres of forest, two miles of trails, a forest school, summer day camp, and much more programming. We are currently in the master planning process for expanding and improving our building and grounds in our very small space. This will be my 5th ANCA Summit (4th in person). Looking forward to it! I will be bringing my guitar--looking forward to the campfire singing and NOT staying up too late every night. :)

]]> 2024-09-03 20:26:09 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3100785917 North Branch Nature Center, Elm Street, Montpelier, VT https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3100831427 Hi folks, I'm Ken Benton. I am the Director of Education at the North Branch Nature Center in Montpelier, VT - where I have worked since 2012. This will be my first ANCA summit. Hoping to get out one evening to sample some of the local BBQ!

]]> 2024-09-03 21:19:33 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3100831427 Clinton Community Nature Center, Dunton Road, Clinton, MS ccnaturecenter https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3100831698 My name is Sabrina Hagerman and I’m a new Co-director at CCNC. Claire Floyd, a new Co-director as well, and I are excited to participate in the ANCA summit for the first time!

]]> 2024-09-03 21:20:00 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3100831698 Ozark Natural Science Center, Madison 1305, Huntsville, AR https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3100984497

Ozark Natural Science Center’s mission is to enhance the understanding, appreciation and stewardship of the Ozark natural environment.

 

At ONSC, we envision a future where everyone has the opportunity to engage deeply with nature. Through our dedication to education, environmental stewardship, and community collaboration, we aim to empower others to preserve the diverse ecosystems and natural heritage of the Ozarks.

 

Our Core Values are high-quality education, meaningful and immersive experiences in nature, and environmental stewardship.

]]> 2024-09-04 00:17:19 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3100984497 Carolyn Waters (she/her/ella) https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3101051581 I'm excited for my first ANCA summit! I first learned about ANCA when I worked at North Cascades Institute in Washington State and I have come to learn about ANCA's continental reach after moving home to Louisville.


I collaborate with nature centers, parks, schools, and government agencies to increase the impact of our work through grant writing, strategic planning, professional development, evaluation, and other organizational services. The project I'm most excited about right now is working with Origin Park on developing a robust community engagement program and securing federal funding for climate-relevant park infrastructure.

]]> 2024-09-04 00:56:55 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3101051581 Montpelier, VT https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3101073457 2024-09-04 01:10:22 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3101073457 Oregon Ridge Nature Center, Cockeysville, MD https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3101184300 My first ANCA Summit... I've heard so many wonderful things about this event from co-workers. I'm really looking forward to meeting everyone.

]]> 2024-09-04 02:11:20 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3101184300 Environmental Learning Center, Live Oak Drive, Vero Beach, FL https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3101335421 Hi, I’m Barb Ford the Executive Director at the Environmental Learning Center in beautiful Vero Beach, Florida (my hometown). The ELC just celebrated its 36th anniversary and I’ve been honored to be at the helm for ~5 1/2 years now. The ELC is 64 acre nature center located in the heart of the amazingly biodiverse Indian River Lagoon. My background is in business, law and education, and I chose to work in this field because nature is my happy space and I want to do my part to make sure it exists for future generations. I love working with my team to offer all kinds of experiences and learning adventures in the outdoors for every age. I feel strengthening the human/nature connection is key to fostering environmental stewardship. I have a son that is 23 that just moved to Dallas and a daughter that’s 21 in her senior year at FSU. This is my first Summit, though I have attended a few Florida ANCA events. I am a strong supporter of collaboration between environmental groups, other nonprofits, the business community, funders etc. Very excited to be here and looking forward to getting to know you all and learning a bit from each of you. I think it’s great to have connections across the country so we can support one another and share ideas. Barb



]]> 2024-09-04 03:34:18 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3101335421 Frick Environmental Center, Beechwood Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3102114448 Greetings from Pittsburgh! (Photo from Cuyahoga Valley National Park). I'm Jen Schnakenberg, Assistant Director of Education at Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy and board member at large for Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators. Frick Environmental Center is a municipally-owned nature center in a 650-acre urban park. This is my second ANCA Summit (I last attended in 2019).

]]> 2024-09-04 13:15:24 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3102114448 Nature Center of Cape May, Delaware Avenue, Cape May, NJ https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3102482332 Hi, I'm Emily Reed, Program Director at NJ Audubon's Nature Center of Cape May. This will be my first summit. I'm excited to meet and share ideas with you all!

]]> 2024-09-04 16:25:01 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3102482332 Ogden Nature Center, West 12th Street, Ogden, UT pballa https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3102696024 Hello! This is my first ANCA summit, coming from the Ogden Nature Center in Northern Utah. Looking forward to meeting folks and learning with/from you all

]]> 2024-09-04 18:31:21 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3102696024 Ogden, UT https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3102708041 Hello New Friends! I'm Laura Western, Executive Director of the Ogden Nature Center in Ogden, Utah. I'm new to my role and have not attended the ANCA Summit before and am truly looking forward to learning more from you!

]]> 2024-09-04 18:39:53 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3102708041 Blackland Prairie Raptor Center, Brockdale Park Road, Allen, TX https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3104497857 2024-09-05 15:32:46 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3104497857 Nashville, TN https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3104518610 We are... (left to right) Rachel Carter, Rachel Anderson, and Vera Roberts from Warner Park Nature Center in Nashville, TN, (just up the highway from Memphis!), which is a government (City of Nashville Metro Parks) center located in a 3,200 acre natural area park. We are excited to all be attending the ANCA Summit this year, especially to meet new folks and network, share ideas and get inspired.

]]> 2024-09-05 15:44:38 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3104518610 Birmingham, AL https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3104948234 Birmingham—my hometown—is a stunning city, made even more beautiful by three major green spaces: Ruffner Mountain, Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, and Red Mountain Park. This past year, each of these parks set aside individual interests and embraced a spirit of courage, humility, and collaboration. As a result, they came together to form the Jefferson County Greenways, proving that by uniting for a greater purpose, we can achieve so much more for our community and its natural heritage.

]]> 2024-09-05 20:46:22 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3104948234 Windsor County, VT, USA https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3106418770 Board member, The Nature Museum, Grafton, VT

]]> 2024-09-06 15:16:47 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3106418770 AGFC Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center, Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, AR https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3107482476 2024-09-07 17:43:28 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3107482476 Liberty Nature Center, Bridge Hollow Road, Somerset, KY https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3107599337 Hello all! I am Kimmi Sparkman, Executive Director of the Lake Cumberland Wildlife Refuge (home of the Liberty Nature Center). We have 28 acres of land in Somerset, KY and have two main areas of focus - Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education. We specialize in Birds of Prey but also rehabilitate native reptile and amphibian species. Our Education programs are varied and include programs both at our campus and around the state of Kentucky.


Having just been hired last November, I am eager to network and meet others in a similar field, pick eachother's brains for new ideas, and learn how to continue growing as an non-profit organization!


Oh! And this is my first ANCA Summit.

]]> 2024-09-07 22:19:13 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3107599337 Cooper Center for Environmental Learning, West Trails End Road, Tucson, AZ https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3108304036 Assitant Director of the Cooper Center in Tucson AZ! I have worked for Cooper for the past 6 years and it is an incredible places that connects Tucson youth to the land they call home, the Sonoran Desert :)

]]> 2024-09-08 20:31:07 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3108304036 Weber County, UT, USA cmiljour https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3108325672 Hi there! I’m Clairesse, and I’m so excited to be attending my very first ANCA conference! I’m representing the Ogden Nature Center located in Northern Utah, where I’ve been in my role as Development Director for five months. We’re getting ready to celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2025! I can’t wait to connect with all of you, learn as much as I can, and have some fun along the way!

]]> 2024-09-08 21:13:22 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3108325672 Prairie Ridge Ecostation, Gold Star Drive, Raleigh, NC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3108394962 Very excited to attend my first summit. Looking forward to making connections and gaining new knowledge.


Emma Blackford (she/her)

Head of Prairie Ridge Ecostation

Part of the NC Museum of Natural Sciences

Raleigh, NC

]]> 2024-09-08 23:33:08 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3108394962 Frick Environmental Center, Beechwood Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3109574120 James A. Brown, Director of Education and the Frick Environmental Center with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. This will be my first ANCA Summit. Looking forward connecting and learning.

]]> 2024-09-09 11:43:15 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3109574120 Golden, CO tsandsmark https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3109650146 Looking forward to reconnecting with old friends and colleagues and meeting new leaders in our profession.

]]> 2024-09-09 12:29:08 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3109650146 Julie Uram (she/her) Executive Director, Nature At The Confluence https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3110034532 Hi there, I am happy to be attending my 2nd ANCA summit and to be visiting Memphis for the first time! I’d love to explore the city as time allows. I am the Executive Director, Nature At The Confluence.

]]> 2024-09-09 15:31:07 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3110034532 Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, North Ocean Boulevard, Boca Raton, FL https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3110302179 Hi everyone! Leanne Welch checking in from beautiful Boca Raton, FL! This is my 5th (6th?) Summitt and I couldn't be happier to meet you all!

]]> 2024-09-09 18:02:34 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3110302179 Wenatchee River Institute, Division Street, Leavenworth, WA cterranella https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3110531201 I'm excited to join my first ANCA conference. Coming from the Pacific Northwest and can't wait to learn about how our little place fits into the spectrum of Nature Centers around the country

]]> 2024-09-09 20:50:54 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3110531201 Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter, Center Drive, Park City, UT https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3110560605 Hi! Hunter, Director of Visitor Experience & Exhibits at Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter, here. Excited to attend my first ANCA conference and meet all of you!

]]> 2024-09-09 21:25:33 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3110560605 Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter, Center Drive, Park City, UT emmalowe6 https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3110564074 Hello! My name is Emma and I'm the Office Manager at Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter, USU. I'm excited to explore Memphis and meet everyone at my first ANCA conference.

]]> 2024-09-09 21:29:17 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/gbo9mn8lawsh9akh/wish/3110564074