ARNHA
American River Natural History Association
Join Us for an American River Natural History Association Membership Meeting
Date: Wednesday, October 29th
Time: 5:30-7:30pm
Location: Effie Yeaw Nature Center
2850 San Lorenzo Way, Carmichael, CA 95608
We’re excited to invite you to an American River Natural History Association’s Membership Meeting!
The evening will begin with a welcome reception, where you can connect with fellow members and enjoy light refreshments. Then, we’ll share highlights from the 2024-25 Annual Report, including key accomplishments, financial updates, and the progress made toward strengthening the future of the Nature Center. Looking ahead, we’ll also preview plans for 2026—the 50th Anniversary Year of the Effie Yeaw Nature Center..
Your support and involvement are vital to our mission of inspiring appreciation and stewardship of the natural world. This meeting is a great opportunity to ask questions, share ideas, and stay engaged with the future of Effie Yeaw Nature Center.

We look forward to seeing you there!
RSVP: Please RSVP by Monday October 27th.
Mission and Bylaws of the
American River Natural History Association
The American River Natural History Association is a 501c3 nonprofit public benefit corporation whose purpose is to conduct, promote, aid, and augment educational and interpretive activities about the natural and cultural histories of the Sacramento region, principally in the American River Parkway, the Effie Yeaw Nature Center, and the educational facilities of other organizations and agencies along the lower American River. We are governed by the Bylaws of the Association, click "bylaws" tab below.
Board Meetings
Join us for the American River Natural History Association (ARNHA) Board Meetings, typically held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 6:30 PM. Your participation is welcome as we discuss important matters related to our mission of conducting, promoting, aiding, and augmenting educational and interpretive activities focused on the natural and cultural histories of the Sacramento region. Our work primarily serves the American River Parkway, the Effie Yeaw Nature Center, and other educational facilities along the lower American River.
ARNHA Membership Meeting
4/23/2025
We had a wonderful gathering at the Nature Center this week. For those who couldn’t join us, here are a few highlights:
The Effie Yeaw Nature Center (EYNC) has served the Carmichael community for over 50 years, providing immersive experiences in wildlife, ecology, and conservation. Managed by the American River Natural History Association (ARNHA) since 2010, the Center has recently faced financial challenges due to the loss of COVID-related funding, decreased donations, staff turnover, and insufficient financial oversight.
To ensure long-term sustainability, ARNHA is implementing key improvements:
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Strengthening financial oversight with new policies, better recordkeeping, and engagement of a certified public accountancy firm.
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Refreshing board leadership and restructuring committees to improve efficiency and transparency.
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Refocusing fundraising on major gifts, individual donations, and corporate sponsorships.
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Restructuring operations, including leadership changes and payroll reductions while maintaining essential staffing.
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Launching a short-term action plan (Jan–June 2025) to stabilize operations and secure funding.
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Developing a three-year business plan to boost financial health, grow programming, and strengthen partnerships.
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Collaborating with Sacramento County to ensure compliance and transparency.
ARNHA remains committed to keeping EYNC a vibrant, educational sanctuary and community treasure. With community support and a clear strategy, EYNC will continue to inspire environmental stewardship for generations to come.
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Want to learn more?
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View the PowerPoint presentation from the Membership Meeting
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Master Plan
(2021 Edition)
Strategic Plan
The Board of Directors adopted a Strategic Plan in 2021 that provides focus and direction for the Board and staff’s activities. The complete Plan can be found here.
The Goals of the Plan include:
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PROGRAMS – Realize full onsite and outreach program potential based on community needs.
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SUSTAINABILITY – Secure and maintain required financial resources that support the Effie Yeaw Nature Center as the premier nature education provider in the Sacramento region.
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PEOPLE – Continue to build an exemplary team of dedicated, passionate, and skilled individuals in a positive and productive work environment.
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PHYSICAL SITE/HABITAT – Enhance the physical and structural site to provide optimal use for visitors, staff, and animals.
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BOARD CAPACITY – Enhance the membership, skills, and diversity of the American River Natural History Association Board of Directors to set direction and provide oversight of the Natural History Association and the Effie Yeaw Nature Center.