Nature Inspired, The Works of James R. Darnell – Wildlife Art Exhibit Open to the Public Monday-Saturday, 10a-3p, through April 19, 2024 – Collaboration between Elachee Nature Science Center and The Arts Council, Inc.

Elachee Ecosystem

Stewardship in Action

Access to Nature

Discover, Learn, Play

 

Elachee promotes environmental understanding through education and conservation by getting children outside, by creating bridges between people and nature, and by caring for Chicopee Woods so that it is accessible to our community now and into the future.

Elachee History

Founded in 1978 by five Gainesville women, the not-for-profit Elachee Nature Science Center has been instrumental in building environmental literacy for Georgians of all ages.

Elachee Through the Years

Vision for Sustainability

Elachee seeks to instill an appreciation, understanding and concern for the natural world by fostering an interest in personal commitment to preserving our natural resources and the environment for future generations to enjoy.

Elachee will become a national, model environmental education center of excellence building an environmentally literate society capable of sustaining a healthy world for all living things by:

  • Integrating environmental education into all learning,
  • Offering substantive programs and exhibits,
  • Reaching larger, diverse audiences, and
  • Managing the Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve.

Our Team

Executive Leadership

Sarah Bell
Elachee President/CEO

Elachee Board of Trustees
  • Jason Everett, Chair, Board of Trustees
  • Rick Boyd, Vice-Chair, Board of Trustees
  • Nick Bruner, Treasurer, Board of Trustees
  • Brad Abernathy, Trustee
  • Emily Bagwell, Immediate Past Chair, Board of Trustees
  • Phil Bonelli, Trustee
  • Lance Gardner, Trustee
  • Bill Rhoads, Trustee
  • Chris Romberg, Trustee
  • Steven Smith, Trustee
  • Dixie Truelove, Trustee
  • Brian Whalen, Trustee
  • Kelvin Whisenhunt, Trustee
  • Mandi Whiting, Trustee
  • Trey Wood, Trustee

Trustees Emeritus

  • Steve Gilliam, Trustee Emeritus
  • John Girardeau, Trustee Emeritus
  • Jock Hornor, Trustee Emeritus
  • Gale McKibbon, Trustee Emeritus
  • R.K. Whitehead, Trustee Emeritus
Administration
  • Amy Bradford, Director of Operations
  • Darrell Dollar, Facilities Manager
  • Samantha Fricks, Programs & Events Manager
  • Kristin Love, Director of Natural Resources & Conservation
  • Kim Marks, Director of Development
  • Maranda Martin, Director of School & Public Programs
  • Melissa Reid, Elachee Nature Academy Director
  • Alison Thompson, Field Trips & Custom Programs Manager
  • Katie Wiese, Environmental Educator
Naturalists
  • Hameed Abdullah, Naturalist
  • Margaret Bray, Naturalist
  • Paula Burzotta, Naturalist
  • Gretchen Cox, Naturalist
  • Deb DeRoche, Naturalist
  • Nicole Echols, Naturalist
  • Graham Gilley, Naturalist
  • Kim Grennan, Naturalist
  • Abigail Hightower, Naturalist
  • Emily Jennings, Naturalist
  • Lauren Kelley, Naturalist
  • Don Lane, Naturalist
  • Laurin Peacock, Naturalist
  • Elizabeth Phillips, Naturalist
  • Norma Rainwater, Naturalist
  • Amanda Reding, Naturalist
  • Eugene Redmon, Naturalist
  • Valarie Shoulta, Naturalist
  • Kathy Walters, Naturalist
  • Robert Webb, Naturalist
  • Erin Woodsmall, Naturalist
Elachee Nature Academy (ENA)
  • Leslie Rae Carswell, ENA Educator
  • Angie Pelletier, ENA Educator
  • Melissa Reid, ENA Director
  • Katie Skelton, ENA Educator

Elachee Membership

Join Us

As a Member

 

Enjoy access to nature through public environmental education programming and Elachee attractions.

Become an Elachee Member

Membership Levels and Benefits

MEMBERSHIP CHART: At a Glance

$75 = Individual Explorer (1 Adult)

  • 1 Year Membership* Fee
  • FREE General Admission to Elachee
  • DISCOUNTED Program Fees/Admission on Select Elachee Happenings
  • Member-only Advance Notifications
  • 1 Annual Parking Pass
    Issued by the Chicopee Woods Area Park Commission
  • Free or Discounted Admission to ANCA Member Nature Centers

$125 = Dual Explorer (2 Adults or 1 Adult + 1 Child)

  • 2 Annual Parking Passes
  • PLUS all other Individual Explorer Membership Benefits (see above)

$200 = Family Adventurer (2 Adults and up to 4 Children)

  • Camp Elachee Member-only Early Registration
  • Camp Elachee 10% Registration Discount
  • 4 Single-use Guest Passes for Free Admission to Elachee and select Elachee Happenings
  • PLUS all other Dual Explorer Membership Benefits (see above)

$500 = Elachee Patron (2 Adults and up to 4 Children)

  • 8 Single-use Guest Passes for Free Admission to Elachee and select Elachee Happenings
  • PLUS all other Family Adventurer Membership Benefits (see above)

*Memberships are non-transferable, non-refundable and valid only for the individuals listed on the Membership Card.

**The amount of a contribution that is deductible for Federal income tax purposes is limited to the excess of the amount paid reduced by the value of any goods and services provided in return by Elachee Nature Science Center a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, TAX ID #58-1643768. Refer to IRS Publication 526 or consult your tax advisor for assistance determining what, if any portion of your payment may be tax deductible.

Volunteer

Volunteers are a vital part of Elachee’s rich history and daily operations.

Friends

Who Volunteer

 

What skills, talents and fresh ideas would you like to share with Elachee?

We offer many ways for individuals to get involved.

Or for businesses and groups seeking community service opportunities, let us identify projects that can be done in a day or less.

CONTACT US for a Volunteer Application.

Volunteer Eligibility
  • AGE REQUIREMENT
    Elachee volunteers must be age 18 or older.
    For scheduled volunteer groups with participants under age 18, Elachee requires one (1) adult aged 21 or older for every seven (7) minors. When a minor volunteers for an Elachee seasonal public program event, the adult accompaniment may be waived in lieu of a completed Parental/Legal Guardian consent form.
  • COMMUNITY SERVICE RESTRICTIONS
    Individuals who have been convicted of misdemeanor crimes and who are actively participating in court-approved probation with out sentencing, work release or alternative sentencing programs, may serve as a volunteer at the discretion of Elachee Nature Science Center. Prohibited from any Elachee volunteer program are persons convicted of a felony including a violent crime, a crime against persons or a crime involving use of a weapon.

Elachee Careers

Elachee is accepting inquiries for the following:

Camp Elachee Counselor

Elementary Grades

Elachee is seeking enthusiastic individuals to serve as Camp Counselors for our Camp Elachee Summer Camp experience. This position will provide quality environmental programming for elementary-aged day campers and assume responsibility for their safety. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to implement planned camp activities in a fun and engaging manner, a commitment to promoting enjoyment of the outdoors, exceptional communication skills, and leadership, responsibility, and patience. 

Position Details

Basic Information 

  • Seasonal, May 28-July 26 
  • Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00-3:30 
  • Pay: $17 per hour 

Typical Duties: 

  • Assist with daily set-up and clean-up tasks as assigned.  
  • Ensure that all campers are in their correct group while maintaining exceptional adult supervision. 
  • Implement provided plans in a fun and engaging manner. 

Requirements/Eligibility: 

  • Must be 18 or older at time of employment. 
  • High school diploma required 
  • Some college experience, or equivalent experience, preferred.  
  • Pursuing a degree in elementary education or a science-related field preferred. 
  • Prior or current experience working with children, preferably in an outdoor and/or group setting. 
  • CPR Certification or willingness to obtain certification (training provided)  
  • Ability to hike up to three (3) miles per day on uneven terrain and to comfortably work outside for extended periods in the summer heat and rain. 
  • Ability to meet background check requirements.

For consideration, please submit the following to sam@elachee.org with the Subject Line Camp Counselor:

  • Cover letter
  • Resume
  • Names of Three (3) Professional References with contact information

Note: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and the position is open until filled. 

Camp Elachee Counselor

Preschool

Elachee is seeking enthusiastic individuals to serve as Camp Counselors for our Camp Elachee Summer Camp experience. This position will provide quality environmental programming for preschool-aged day campers and assume responsibility for their safety. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to implement planned camp activities in a fun and engaging manner, a commitment to promoting enjoyment of the outdoors, exceptional communication skills, and leadership, responsibility, and patience. 

Position Details

Basic Information 

  • Seasonal, May 28-July 26 
  • Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00-12:30 
  • Pay: $17 per hour 

Typical Duties: 

  • Assist with daily set-up and clean-up tasks as assigned.  
  • Ensure that all campers are in their correct group while maintaining exceptional adult supervision. 
  • Implement provided plans in a fun and engaging manner. 

Requirements/Eligibility: 

  • Must be 18 or older at time of employment. 
  • High school diploma required 
  • Some college experience, or equivalent experience, preferred.  
  • Pursuing a degree in elementary education or a science-related field preferred. 
  • Prior or current experience working with children, preferably in an outdoor and/or group setting. 
  • CPR Certification or willingness to obtain certification (training provided)  
  • Ability to hike up to three (3) miles per day on uneven terrain and to comfortably work outside for extended periods in the summer heat and rain. 
  • Ability to meet background check requirements.

For consideration, please submit the following to sam@elachee.org with the Subject Line Camp Counselor:

  • Cover letter
  • Resume
  • Names of Three (3) Professional References with contact information

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and the position is open until filled.

Elachee Nature Science Center is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits any discrimination on the basis of race, sex, creed, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, age, disability, marital status, family responsibilities or sexual orientation.