The Association of Nature Center Administrators (ANCA) is accepting nominations for awards that recognize exceptional leaders in the profession of nature centers, outdoor schools, and environmental learning centers. ANCA gives two awards each year:

• The ANCA Nature Center Leadership Award recognizes an individual who in their role at the highest administrative level of an organization has made a major contribution to the success of a nature center (or centers), as well as important contributions to the profession through professional organizations (particularly ANCA), and through the support and mentoring of other nature center leaders.
• The ANCA Outstanding New Leader Award recognizes an individual with the potential for future impact within the field of nature center administrators. Qualified candidates will have less than five years of full-time work experience as the director, executive director, or leader at the highest administrative level at a nature or environmental learning center.

If you would like to nominate an individual for either award, you may start the nomination process by completing an Intent to Nominate form by March 15. This form will determine an individual’s eligibility. If the nominee is eligible, we will provide full nomination materials.

Learn more about the awards and nomination process.