| We
plan to accomplish the mission and vision of Drift Creek Nature Center
while supporting all aspects of the mission and vision of Drift Creek
Camp through a. extending, enriching and enhancing existing programs, b. supporting the management practices, c. providing assistance to and expanding human resources, d. increasing rental income and supporting fundraising efforts, and e. 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 a. Educate ourselves in the field of Nature and Environmental Learning Centers through research, field trips, and shared experiences. b. 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. c. 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.) d. 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. e. Develop environmental education curriculum and resources for use by all DCC guests. f. 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. g. Include energy efficiency and sustainability practices in the educational experiences at Drift Creek Camp. h. Develop a strategy for collecting and recording stream (flow, temperature, quality, etc.) and weather (temperature, rainfall, wind) data. This year we will… a. Become a professional member of Environmental Education Association of Oregon b. Continue the development of our native species inventory initiated with the May 24, 2008 bioblitz. Seek expert assistance in insect, moss and lichen identification. Publish the inventory on our website and use these results to develop DCC specific field guides (8.5” x 11” laminated sheets) c. We will continue our efforts to learn about the Native American and early settler stories for the area. d. Schedule a meeting with the Siuslaw National Forest district ranger to report on our progress, gain some insight on dealing with invasive species, inquire about specialists to assist us with moss/lichen and insect identification, get suggestions for trail maintenance and off-trail use by guests. e. Develop an environmental education curriculum with associated resources to support all the programs sponsored by Drift Creek Camp; begin modifying these resources for rental groups interested in supplementing their program with these resources. f. Complete the inventory of all print materials, video resources and equipment in the Nature Information Center for efficient reference and checkout and publish this on our website. Add the following equipment: 1 dozen hand lenses, 6 large creek D-nets, a flex cam, and aquarium with gear for participation in the Salmon and Trout Enhancement Program. Create plaster of paris molds of footprints of mammals and large birds to display in the NIC g. Begin identifying and promoting energy efficiency and sustainability practices in the educational activities at Drift Creek Camp. h. Record rainfall, stream level and stream temperature. II. Management Strategy a. Operate within the organizational structure as approved by DCC board of directors. b. 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. c. Support creativity, enthusiasm, problem solving and quality work of advisory group members and volunteers, respecting their abilities and contributions. d. Be concerned with the satisfaction of group members, volunteers and guests of Drift Creek Camp. This year we will... a. Identify president, vice-president, secretary for the year. Report advisory board membership to DCC board by January meeting. Form an education task force to be responsible for the development of environmental education curriculum and related resources. Identify a list of ‘consulting members’ to serve as advisors on special projects b. 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. c. Encourage DCNC advisory board members to volunteer for a DCC program or activity. d. Maintain all the primary nature trails, improve the signage for these trails and develop trail guides for self-guided nature walks. III. Human Resources Strategy a. Maintain a list of outside volunteers and specialists who may help to expand and support our curriculums and programs. b. Work with DCC program director to assure a well qualified camp naturalist is on staff for summer camping programs. c. Explore relationships with Universities offering degrees in Environmental Studies to explore internship, research, and thesis opportunities. d. Provide an adequate level of on-site staff to manage the expanding Nature Center activities, resources and programs. This year we will... a. Maintain the list of nature specialists willing to volunteer in Drift Creek Camp activities and expand the list to include specialists in insects, mosses and lichens. b. Orient the DCC summer camp naturalist to all the available resources in the Nature Information Center and the natural features at DCC and surrounding area c. Explore potential Camping Inquiry Program candidates from Goshen College and Eastern Mennonite University and potential for an intern from the Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center Master’s in Education Program. d. Maintain one full time onsite staff person to develop and manage the Nature Center curriculum development and outdoor education activities. Explore feasibility for recruiting staff through Mennonite Voluntary Service and AmeriCorps. IV. Funding Strategy a. Develop annual budget for the development and operations of the Nature Center for camp directors and DCC finance committee. b. Be alert for grant opportunities related to Nature Center projects and pass them along to DCC directors and finance committee. c. Work with DCC directors and program committee to recruit outdoor education rental groups This year we will... a. develop design and cost estimate for completion of Nature Information Center cabinets, furniture and equipment. b. Seek grants for Nature Center staffing and ecology projects and report them to the DCC camp directors and finance committee. c. develop promotional materials announcing our desire to host outdoor education programs for the schools in Lincoln and neighboring counties. V. Physical Plant Strategy a. Work with DCC directors and facility committee to plan and design the physical resources necessary to attain the mission and vision of DCNC. b. Assist DCC directors and facility committee to develop sustainable energy usage, power supply, water and waste to reach and maintain a responsible ecological footprint. This year we will... a. 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. Plan and design a classroom in the Nature Information Center with a round table with chairs and a marker board. Complete the cabinets and upgrade the bird viewing window. b. 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. updated 11.20.09
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About Us |
Strategic
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