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Drift Creek Nature Center
2008 Strategic Plan
We plan to accomplish the
mission and vision of Drift Creek Nature Center by supporting all
aspects of the mission and vision of Drift Creek Camp through
- extending,
enriching and enhancing existing programs,
- supporting the
management practices,
- providing
assistance to and expanding human resources,
- increasing
rental income and supporting fundraising efforts, and
- augmenting and
developing the physical infrastructure.
It is our desire for guests
of Drift Creek Camp to experience a renewed reverence for God through
learning about the diverse species and ecology in this beautiful
setting. We hope this will lead to a deeper appreciation and commitment
to care for God’s awesome creation.
I. Program Strategy
- Educate
ourselves in the field of Nature and Environmental Learning Centers
through reading, field trips, and shared experiences.
- Develop an
inventory of the natural resources in the Drift Creek watershed for
reference, promotion, and display using photos, drawings/paintings,
posters, slide shows, and models.
- 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.)
- 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.
- Collect field
guides, maps, reference materials, exhibits and displays, video
materials, interpretive resources and equipment for use by guests and
camp staff to experience and appreciate the unique ecology of the area.
This year we will…
- Develop an
inventory of all print materials, video resources and equipment in the
Nature Information Center for efficient reference and checkout.
- Include energy
efficiency and sustainability practices in the educational experiences
at Drift Creek Camp.
II. Management Strategy
- Operate within
the organizational structure as approved by DCC board of directors.
- 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.
- Support
creativity, enthusiasm, problem solving and quality work of advisory
group members and volunteers, respecting their abilities and
contributions.
- Be concerned
with the satisfaction of group members, volunteers and guests of Drift
Creek Camp.
This year we will...
- Distribute
reports of DCNC advisory board meetings and activities to the DCC board
of directors, and reports of DCC board meetings and activities to DCNC
advisory board members.
- Encourage DCNC
advisory board meetings to volunteer for a DCC program or activity.
III. Human Resources
Strategy
- Maintain a list
of outside volunteers and specialists who may help to expand and
support our curriculums and programs.
- Recruit a Camp
Naturalist for DCC summer camp programs and train them for specific
Drift Creek watershed activities.
- Explore a
partnership with Goshen College’s Camping Inquiry Program (CIP) for a
candidate to organize and manage our resources and develop programming
for DCC programs and rental groups.
- Explore
relationships with Universities offering degrees in Environmental
Studies to explore internship, research, and thesis opportunities.
- Develop a plan
for funding and recruiting an Americorp volunteer to develop a
comprehensive curriculum for DCC programs and rental groups.
- Hire a salaried
professional to manage the Nature Center activities, resources and
programs.
This year we will...
- Create a list
of nature specialists willing to volunteer in Drift Creek Camp
activities.
- Recruit a
summer camp staff person to serve as camp naturalist and assist them
with developing creation care activities and lessons.
- Advertise for
a Camping Ministry Internship to develop a curriculum and resources for
summer camping activities.
IV. Fundraising Strategy
- Create a
fundraising plan that reaches Drift Creek constituents, local residents
and potential users, utilizing our website, church publications,
newsletters, and other advertising.
- Identify a
person with grant writing skills to research granting organizations
which fund Nature and Environmental Learning Centers, and alternative
energy systems and apply for necessary funding.
- 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.)
This year we will...
- Raise funds
for completion of the Nature Information Center
- Start a fund
to finance a CIP intern or an AmeriCorps volunteer
- Seek grants
for staffing and ecology projects
V. Physical Plant
Strategy
- 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.
- Complete the
Nature Information Center to house the field guides, books and
literature, educational activities and games, nature and wildlife
exhibits, and scientific and multimedia equipment for staff and guest
use.
- Research
opportunities to demonstrate responsible use and/or sustainability in
physical plant, energy use, power supply, water, and waste in order to
maintain a small ecological footprint.
This year we will...
- Develop good
signage, provide escape from the elements, and organize reference
materials to create a welcoming environment for our guests.
- Improve
trails, benches and interpretive resources to encourage recreational
use of the area for hiking, birding, photography and meditation.
- Research
requirements for possible Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
(LEED) certification.
- Become a model
for energy efficiency, and possibly LEED certified camping and nature
center facilities.
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2008
Strategic
Plan 