2007 Strategic Plan for Drift Creek Nature Center Advisory Group

1. Cultivate a cooperative working relationship with Drift Creek Camp board, staff and membership through representation on/from DCC board, regular communication, and working together whenever possible. (and develop relationships with our constituent base: churches and organizations [WMS, HOPE, Mennonite Village] of Pacific Coast Mennonite Conference)
2. Educate ourselves in the field of Nature and Environmental Learning Centers through reading, field trips, and shared experiences.
3. Develop an inventory of the natural resources in the area for reference, promotion, and display using photos, drawings/paintings, posters, slide shows, and models.
   
4. Promote awareness and appreciation of the natural resources in the area for Drift Creek Camp programs and rental groups using the camp through displays, interpretive resources, training staff, and developing programming.
   
5. Research the Native American and early settler history and culture of the area surrounding Drift Creek Camp. (Confederated Tribes of Siletz, North Lincoln County Historical Museum, etc.)
   
6. Nurture a relationship with the Siuslaw National Forest Service to gain an appreciation for their goals, guidelines and resources (and understand the fire, harvest and reforestation history of the forest surrounding DCC)
   
7. Create a welcome environment through good signage, escape from the elements and friendly helpful staff.
   
8. Encourage recreational use of the area for hiking, birding, photography and meditation through improved trails, benches and interpretive resources.
   
9. Identify and solicit potential clients interested in week-day events in forest, stream and/or wildlife programs through personal contact, promotional materials, email and web page. (Elderhostel, Audubon, Outdoor School, Environmental Art, etc.)
   
10. Establish relationships with Universities offering degrees in Environmental Studies to explore internship, research, and thesis opportunities.
    
11. Identify a person with grant writing skills to research granting organizations who fund Nature and Environmental Learning Centers and apply for necessary funding.
    
12. Research opportunities to demonstrate responsible use and/or sustainability in physical plant, energy, water, and waste in order to maintain a small ecological footprint.
    
13. Determine the primary stakeholders and essential expertise needed to achieve our mission and vision and form a board to manage the endeavor, including paid professional staff.
    
14. Work with DCC leadership to plan, design, fund and construct a physical location to welcome and serve the guests of Drift Creek Nature Center and display and store the resources needed by the program.

adopted by DCC board of directors on April 23, 2007