Indian Creek Nature Center: Promoting a Sustainable Future Through Strategic Planning
Business Acumen
PMI Eastern Iowa Chapter is excited to gather at Indian Creek Nature Center in Cedar Rapids for an informative presentation from ICNC Executive Director John Myers. John will speak to us about Indian Creek's journey as a nonprofit organization leading Eastern Iowa in environmental education, sustainable living, and land restoration. He will focus on how strategic planning and vision have accelerated and guided the growth of the nature center over the past 10 years.
Indian Creek Nature Center was founded in 1973 by local community leaders B. B. Stamats and Jean O'Donnell. More community members rallied to raise funds and support the nature center, and it grew and developed to meet the needs of Eastern Iowa. Children's programs started early and are now a large part of the nature center's programming. The nature center expanded to encompass the Bena Farm, which is now restored wetlands, woodlands, and prairie, and the Etzel Sugar Grove Farm, where ICNC implements restorative agriculture practices. As visitor numbers grew to over 40,000 individuals per year, ICNC built the Amazing Space, the 12,000 square foot facility where we will gather in the auditorium to hear John speak. We hope chapter members will join us at this beautiful location to hear about the nature center's past, present, and future, and perhaps to visit the historic Blue Bridge, the bird viewing area, or some of the trails on the nature center land.
A picnic-themed meal is included in the price of the event, and attendees will receive one PDU.
Speakers
Executive Director
John Myers has been executive director of Indian Creek Nature Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa since May 2013. Working with the organization’s board of directors, John leads the strategic planning and growth of the organization, ensuring that its vision to create champions of nature is achieved. John believes that Indian Creek Nature Center can and should be a leader in the outdoor field by championing new and innovative initiatives that make substantive change.
He has a bachelor’s of science degree in business administration and is an Eagle Scout. Prior to joining Indian Creek Nature Center, John worked for the Boy Scouts of America, as well as several other nonprofits in the Eastern Iowa area. He is active on the boards of the Monarch Research Project, among others.
John serves as a board member and officer of the Association of Nature Center Administrators (ANCA), an organization designed to advance the nature center and environmental education field nationally. He was selected to receive the 2016 ANCA Outstanding New Leader Award recognizing his leadership and growth of Indian Creek Nature Center.
John and his wife, Meridith, reside in Marion, Iowa with their three children.
