EYNC Updates
Donation Goal Update - 12/18/24
We are pleased to announce, since December 1, the Nature Center has received financial
pledges from a number of donors exceeding $300,000. These pledges have been made
separate and apart from the "$200 K to Save the Day" financial appeal of October 24 which
was discontinued before December. The Board, at the same time, has made reductions in its
monthly operating expenses so they will be covered by monthly revenue and not donations.
None of these unrestricted pledges mentioned above have been committed to EYNC's
operating budget at this point in time.
NEW UPDATES AS THE NATURE CENTER MOVES FORWARD - 12/13/24
In a recent December 4, 2024 article, the Sacramento Bee reported on the financial stress Effie Yeaw Nature Center (EYNC) has been facing. The article highlighted EYNC’s “$200K to Save the Day” appeal implying we would close our doors if we did not raise that amount of money.
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The Nature Center has discontinued that appeal issued in late October and a number of significant and positive changes have occurred in its management. We have a new Executive Director with Betty Cooper, a volunteer and previous EYNC Director, taking the helm. We have added an experienced and previous EYNC Volunteer Coordinator, Jamie Washington, herself a volunteer, stepping into that role which had remained vacant for a number of months. As a result, many disaffected and long-time volunteers have been encouraged to renew their commitment to support our mission.
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Similarly, the American River Natural History Association (ARNHA) Board of Directors which oversees EYNC has undergone a large transition with a new Board President and three new members having been added while four members have rotated out. Under this new leadership, a streamlining of operations has resulted in significant monthly cost savings. With our experienced staff naturalists and volunteer docents, EYNC’s popular outdoor education programming utilized by Sacramento regional schools will continue to generate revenue going forward. EYNC has the cash reserves and resources to operate for the near future, without the need for “$200K to Save the Day” campaign. The ARNHA Board is listening to the community and their thoughtful concerns. We are encouraged by a growth in financial support and are returning to our traditional fundraising efforts. While EYNC remains financially fragile, we are no longer in a situation where we are dependent on a single appeal effort to save the Center.
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For decades, generations of families throughout the Sacramento region have made a habit of coming to the Nature Center to enjoy the natural beauty of its Nature Study Area, to observe its animals and plants, and to relish the peace and quiet of these wild lands along the American River amidst our busy and developed region. Grandparents who experienced Effie Yeaw in their youth are bringing their grandchildren to gain a similar experience. All of us at EYNC are aware of our stewardship responsibilities, the legacy and importance of what our institution has to offer now and into the future, and our necessary commitment to maintaining its ongoing financial health and well-being as we move forward.
