Our Mission and Vision
Mission Statement: Developing awareness, appreciation and stewardship of Creation through education, exploration and interaction with nature.
Vision Statement:
- Our goal is to guide children and adults in exploration of the unique ecosystem that exists within the old growth forest surrounding Drift Creek and the nearby marine environment.
- The Center will foster appreciation for the important ecological contributions of the coastal rain forest, the relationships between the living and nonliving elements and the forest’s connection to the marine environment.
- The Center will raise awareness of human impacts on the forest and will educate visitors to act as stewards of this and other environments.
Advisory Board Members
| Present Members: | |||
| Jim Anderson (2010 –>) | Joe Ebersole (2009 –>) | Bruce Flaming (2006 –>) | Louise & John Gingerich (2006 –>) |
| Tony Kauffman (2006 –>) | Glen Oesch (2006 –>) | Rich Swartzentruber (2011 –>) | Karen Tieszen (2012 –>) |
| Jon Yoder (2006 –>) | |||
| Past Members: | |||
| Larry and Mary Jane Eby (2006-2008) | Mervin Kropf (2006-2009) | Anna Williams (2006-2009) | Ken Snyder (2006-2010) |
| Kayla Mast (2010-2011) | Dennis Rothrock (2010-2011) | ||
Our Strategic Plan…
Strategic Plan Goal
The mission and vision of Drift Creek Nature Center is intended to strengthen the mission and vision of Drift Creek Camp through the following strategies:
I. Program: to extend, enrich and enhance existing programs and develop and implement new programs to promote creation care and sustainability
II. Management: to support and participate in current camp management practices
III. Human Resources: to provide assistance recruiting staff with environmental education training and experience, and supporting them with resources and ongoing training
IV. Funding: to promote the unique ecological setting and conference facilities to outdoor education groups and support fundraising efforts
V. Physical Plant: encourage development of sustainable physical infrastructure
It is our desire for guests of Drift Creek Camp to experience renewed appreciation and gratitude for creation through learning about the diverse species and ecology in this beautiful setting. We believe this will inspire deeper reverence and respect for God’s awesome creation and attentiveness to its stewardship.
I. Program Strategy
a. Nurture relationships with Nature and Environmental Learning Centers and their programs 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.
d. Nurture our 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 data (flow, temperature, quality, etc.) and weather data (temperature, rainfall, wind).
This year we will…
a. Continue on the mailing lists for Environmental Education Association of Oregon, National Association for Environmental Education and Children and Nature network. Host a Family Nature Retreat and Mushroom Retreat in cooperation with Friends of Straub Environmental Learning Center. Explore potential for participation in outdoor education programs and National Environmental Education Week (April 10-16) activity.
b. Continue the development of our native species inventory with continued visits by specialists and begin projects researching the geology and soils of our site.
c. Continue seeking opportunities to learn about the Native American and early settler stories for the area.
d. Work with the Siuslaw National Forest district ranger and staff on local invasive species management, restoration projects, trail improvement and maintenance, partnership in National Public Lands Day (September 24) and seek assistance with our research projects in forestry and geology of the Drift Creek Watershed.
e. Continue development of environmental education curriculum and resources to support all the programs sponsored and hosted by Drift Creek Camp and begin development of a comprehensive (citizen science) forest and stream survey/identification/monitoring program with opportunities for all guests of DCC to participate. Encourage the use of Quest and Orienteering activities in the summer camp program and with guest groups. Continue participation in Environmental Education seminars, workshops and webinars.
f. Keep our inventory of all print materials, video resources and equipment in the Nature Information Center current and posted on our website with efficient reference and checkout procedures. Add 1 dozen mask and snorkel sets and forest measurement tools to our available resources.
g. Identify and promote energy efficiency and sustainability practices in the educational activities at Drift Creek Camp.
h. Continue monitoring stream temperatures, research strategy for monitoring stream flow, and begin sharing live DCC weather data from our weather station to our website.
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. Report president, vice-president, secretary, and advisory board membership to DCC board by March meeting. Form an education task force to be responsible for the development of environmental education curriculum and related resources and 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 friends of DCNC, Conversely, reports of DCC board meetings and activities will be reported to DCNC advisory board members at their regular meetings. A DCNC advisory board member will serve on DCC finance and program committees.
c. Encourage DCNC advisory board members to volunteer for a DCC program or activity.
d. Work with DCC staff to assure adequate maintainance and signage for all the primary nature trails, provide trail guides for self-guided nature walks and promote the use of guest evaluation forms at all DCC sponsored events.
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. Nurture our relationships with nature specialists who have volunteered in Drift Creek Camp activities and expand the list to include specialists in entomology, geology and vermiculture.
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 and summer camp counselors in the activities they will assist in leading.
c. Assist program director in recruiting and resourcing university students to serve as summer naturalists.
d. Assist camp directors in recruiting adult volunteers to assist with daily maintenance responsibilities and child care freeing onsite staff for more active leadership in nature activities.
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 a design and cost estimate for completion of Nature Information Center picture window, 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 a promotional flyer and video, continue advertising our desire to host outdoor education programs for the schools in Lincoln and neighboring counties, and publicize our unique natural setting and rental facility to groups with outdoor education interests.
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 in achieving sustainable energy and water usage, and developing a power supply and waste plan in order to reach and maintain a responsible ecological footprint.
This year we will…
a. Develop good signage, provide escape from the elements and insects (screened outdoor instructional area), and maintain the organization of 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.
Provide a round table with chairs, complete the cabinets and upgrade the picture window in the Nature Information Center.
Seek approval of our restoration proposal from the Forest Service.
b. Work with camp directors and board of directors to move forward with the micro-hydro generation project and implementing energy efficient practices.