EYNC Updates
Enhancing Financial and Operational Oversight
The American River Natural History Association (ARNHA) is implementing important improvements to strengthen its internal operations and financial oversight. These changes are designed to enhance transparency, align with nonprofit best practices, and support the long-term success of the Effie Yeaw Nature Center.
Key improvements are underway in payroll and human resources. ARNHA has hired a new payroll service provider, streamlining payroll preparation, review, and approval. A human resources consultant has also been brought on board to ensure labor law compliance and support the adoption of sound HR practices. Additionally, the Internal Affairs Committee is reviewing payroll processes and will recommend further enhancements within the next three months.
ARNHA is also developing and codifying a comprehensive set of internal control policies to improve financial oversight. These policies establish clear responsibilities for labor and employment actions, such as requiring Board approval for employee handbooks, compensation schedules, and new positions. The Executive Director retains operational hiring authority, within Board-approved guidelines.
New financial controls cover key areas including cash handling, debit card use, expense reimbursements, disbursements, income recording, payroll review, and bank account authority. A system of checks and balances is being established to prevent errors, improve accountability, and verify the accuracy of all transactions.
The goal is to put in place a reliable framework that supports responsible growth, protects organizational assets, and promotes confidence among donors, staff, and volunteers. These updates mark a significant step forward in ARNHA’s commitment to strong governance and operational excellence.
At a Glance: Key Improvements
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New payroll service provider and review process
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Human resources consultant hired to ensure compliance
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Internal Affairs Committee reviewing payroll procedures
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New internal controls for cash, debit card use, reimbursements, and payroll
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Board-approved policies for hiring, compensation, and grievance procedures
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Strengthened oversight by the Executive Director and Treasurer
ARNHA Meeting Highlights
4/23/25
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.
Want to learn more?
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View the PowerPoint presentation from the Membership Meeting
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View our list of Frequently Asked Questions
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Six-Month Action Plan Underway, Long-Term Business Plan in Development
ARNHA has launched a six-month action plan to stabilize operations and lay the foundation for a stronger future for the Effie Yeaw Nature Center (EYNC). This plan, which runs through June 30, 2025, focuses on essential areas such as financial oversight, governance, and organizational development.
The six-month action plan includes key steps to address immediate challenges, including:
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Stabilizing Finances: Reworking budgets, improving cash flow, and restructuring leadership to promote financial health.
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Improving Governance: Refreshing the Board, enhancing leadership practices, and strengthening oversight.
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Fundraising and Community Engagement: Developing new, targeted fundraising strategies to secure resources and strengthen community relationships.
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Read the Action Plan here
In parallel, ARNHA is developing a longer-term Business Plan to guide operations for the next three years. This comprehensive plan will focus on revenue generation, growth of membership, strategic expansion of programs, and building collaborations and partnerships that help ensure ENYC’s long-term viability. It will provide the roadmap for sustainable growth so that EYNC continues to fulfill its educational and stewardship missions.
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The combination of the six-month action plan and the upcoming Business Plan both address current challenges and also position ARNHA for a resilient future. By focusing on financial health, effective governance, and community engagement, these plans will help ARNHA move past recent challenges and ensure a thriving Effie Yeaw Nature Center for years to come.​
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Monday, March 3, 2025
After thoughtful discussion, the EYNC Acting Executive Director supported by the ARNHA Board of Directors has decided that the Annual Gala originally scheduled for Sunday, June 8, 2025 will be rescheduled to Sunday, September 28, 2025 in recognition of current staffing at the Nature Center to provide sufficient time for the successful preparation of this important fundraising event.
Announcement: Rachael Cowan to be the new EYNC Associate Executive Director 1/21/25
The American River Natural History Association (ARNHA) Board of Directors is very pleased to announce that Rachael Cowan has been hired to be the Associate Executive Director at Effie Yeaw Nature Center (EYNC), effective February 17, 2025. Ms. Cowan, in the past 20 years, has held leadership positions in four non-profits, including 6 years previously with the Nature Center (2014 through 2020) as a Staff Naturalist and later as a Volunteer Coordinator.
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Over the course of her career, she has shown herself to be a detail-oriented, organized individual who works well with others. Her work history reflects experience and expertise in financial management, program oversight, collaborative ventures and constituency building. In her most recent employment, she has worked as a fundraiser demonstrating a clear ability to engage with existing and potential donors, including individuals, foundations, corporations, and public entities. At EYNC, she will assist our current Interim Executor Director, Betty Cooper. We look forward to her bringing her talents and leadership skills to the Nature Center.
