Vermont museum of natural history & pool nature center

Mission: To inspire stewardship and appreciation of the natural world through engaging educational experiences

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Vision: A community committed to a life-long personal relationship with nature and environmental conservation

 

Strategic Objectives:

 

1. Enhance and diversify programs to deepen impact on people and support environmental stewardship

• Expand diversity of program themes, both on-site and outreach, to include sensory experiences, connection to the natural world and each other, and stewardship in the face of climate change

• Determine best use of Collection, potentially including methods for integration into programming

• Determine best practices concerning the non-releasable educational animals program

• Develop outreach programs with more continuity and science themes

• Evaluate outreach programming for cost effectiveness 

• Increase range and number of on-site programs and explore collaborative use of facility

 

2. Develop a plan for the physical facilities and resources to support the mission now and in the future

• Commission a master site plan for the Pool Nature Center facility, covering such issues as: indoor and outdoor classrooms, outdoor play areas, exhibition space for the Collection, efficient parking and vehicle ingress/egress, viewing areas for live animals, people flow, restrooms, signage, and security.

• Execute master plan in stages

• Expand trails system

• Set more and consistent open hours for Pool Nature Center

• Continue to research and analyze options for a new, separate Museum building.

3. Expand the reach and impact of the organization through marketing and fundraising endeavors 

• Create a comprehensive fundraising plan: projected revenue and needs from fees, grants, events, donations, and corporate sponsors

• Develop a marketing plan including social media, printed material, e-mail communications, and annual report, highlighting consistent messaging

• Develop two dedicated staff or volunteer positions – one for development and one for marketing

• Create a new, more engaging and comprehensive website

• Develop partnerships with other community organizations to share resources and provide mutual support

 

4. Strengthen organizational health: financial systems, operational platforms, Board development and leadership, and staff relations 

 

• Develop a financial management plan with long-term budgeting

• Set up operational systems and platforms for finances, donations (including in-kind), grants, accounting, filing, and staffing

• Publish an employee manual within one year

• Set policies for internal and external communications, including confidentiality, email recipients, and consistent messaging

• Recruit and onboard four to six new Board members within one to two years

• Strengthen Board “best practice” governance: officers, committees, minutes, Board/staff communications

• Provide board development at annual retreats and during the year