Elachee Ecosystem

Stewardship

In Action

 

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, sarah@elachee.org

Elachee Board of Trustees
  • Rick Boyd, Chair
  • Bill Rhoads, Vice-Chair
  • Scott Collison, Treasurer
  • Brian Whalen, Secretary
  • Jason Everett, Immediate Past Chair
  • Brad Abernathy, Trustee
  • Phil Bonelli, Trustee
  • Amy Brigham, Trustee
  • Juli Hayes, Trustee
  • Anna Hester, Trustee
  • Sheetal Mangalat, Trustee
  • Chris Romberg, Trustee
  • Steven Smith, 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
Naturalists
  • Leanne Alexander, Naturalist
  • Greg Bryant, Naturalist
  • Gretchen Cox, Naturalist
  • Nicole Echols, Naturalist
  • Kim Grennan, Naturalist
  • Emily Jennings, Naturalist
  • Don Lane, Naturalist
  • Laurin Peacock, Naturalist
  • Liz Phillips, Naturalist
  • Norma Rainwater, Naturalist
  • Amanda Reding, Naturalist
  • Eugene Redmon, Naturalist
  • Jamie Riddle, Naturalist
  • Alex Romeo, Naturalist
  • Valarie Shoulta, Naturalist
  • Kathy Walters, Naturalist
  • Robert Webb, Naturalist
  • Erin Woodsmall, Naturalist
Elachee Nature Academy (ENA)
  • Katiee Buffington, ENA Educator
  • Leslie Rae Carswell, ENA Educator
  • Graham Gilley, ENA Educator
  • Angie Pelletier, ENA Educator
  • Katie Skelton, ENA Educator and Curriculum Coordinator
  • Chris Taylor, 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.

Ready

To Make a Difference?

 

Click below to apply for a volunteer project and become an integral part of the Elachee Nature Science Center community. 

Administrative Support 

Animal Care

Educational Field Trip Support

Grounds Crew

Trail Crew

Elachee volunteers must be 18 or older, and some placements require a background check. After reviewing your application, our staff will be in touch with next steps. If you are a member of a corporate group and have a specific task in mind, please email sarah@elachee.org. We can’t wait to welcome you to our family! 

Elachee Careers

Manager/Director of Park Management

Elachee is seeking an enthusiastic individual to serve as Manager/Director of Park Management for the Chicopee Woods Area Park. Under the direction of the Elachee President/CEO and in collaboration with the Chicopee Woods Area Park Commission, this individual will provide leadership and strategic direction for the operation, development, and maintenance of the Chicopee Woods Area Park, overseeing the management of identified park facilities, resources, and staff. This role requires collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, including the Chicopee Woods Area Park Commission, Northeast Georgia SORBA (Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association), the University of North Georgia (UNG), and various governmental and community entities. The Director will be responsible for supporting the volunteer Elachee Trail Crew, overseeing parking and security services and other staff members, and ensuring effective and efficient day-to-day operations of the park, including the facilities associated with Elachee Nature Science Center.

Basic Information 

  • Full-time
  • Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:00, with some after-hours and/or weekend work required
  • Pay: The general pay range for this position is based on the role of either manager ($39,000-$45,000) or director ($42,000-55,000)

 Typical Duties 

  • Supervise, guide, and support the Elachee volunteer Trail Crew and other park personnel, ensuring efficient operations and the safety of all team members.
  • Serve as the primary liaison with the Chicopee Woods Area Park Commission, Northeast Georgia SORBA, UNG, local governments, and other community organizations.
  • Build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders to align park initiatives with broader community goals.
  • Oversee daily park operations, including maintenance of trails, facilities, signage, and natural areas.
  • Ensure that park activities and development align with environmental best practices and regulations.
  • Develop and manage the park’s annual budget, ensuring responsible use of resources and efficient allocation of funds.
  • Seek and apply for grants and funding opportunities to support park initiatives and improvements.
  • Oversee procurement and management of vendors, materials and supplies necessary for park operations and staff activities.
  • With the Elachee President/CEO, serve as the park’s spokesperson, communicating with the public, stakeholders, and media as needed.
  • Prepare reports and updates for stakeholders, boards, and commissions, providing status updates on park operations and goals.

Eligibility

  • Education: Degree in Park Management, Environmental Science, Outdoor Recreation, Public Administration, or a related field OR equivalent experience (degree not required)
  • Experience:
    • Minimum of 5 years of experience in park management, natural resource management, business management, facility management or related fields, with at least 3 years of experience in a formal or informal leadership or managerial role
    • Experience leading teams, supervising staff, and managing diverse stakeholders is required
    • Experience managing both small and large-scale projects
  • Skills:
    • Strong leadership, team-building, and conflict-resolution skills.
    • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
    • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a wide variety of stakeholders, including Elachee employees and volunteers, government agencies, non-profits, and community organizations.
    • Strong problem-solving abilities and the capacity to make decisions under pressure.
  • Other Requirements:
    • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
    • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. as needed.
    • Ability to walk, hike, or supervise field operations over uneven terrain and for extended distances.
    • Ability to pass background check.

Additional Considerations

  • Experience in trail building, trail maintenance general construction, or conservation projects such as stream restoration, habitat enhancement, and ecological initiatives will be considered but is not required.
  • Familiarity with park-specific software and management tools, including Microsoft Office, QuickBooks Online, CRM software, and ArcGIS will be considered but is not required.

For consideration, please submit the following no later than the close of business on March 7, 2025 to sarah@elachee.org with the Subject Line Park Management Position: 

  • Cover letter 
  • Resume  

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.