MEMPHIS—MoSH, the Memphis Museums of Science and History, is pleased to welcome the 2024 ANCA (Association of Nature Center Administrators) Annual Summit to Memphis from September 9-13, 2024. The national conference will be held at Lichterman Nature Center, one of MoSH’s assets, for a professional development curriculum themed around “Natural Spaces, Urban Places.”

 

“Memphis felt like the perfect location to reflect our summit theme,” said Jen Levy, ANCA Executive Director. “Lichterman Nature Center truly is an oasis in the center of a city. We look forward to learning together in this setting.”

The agenda includes a walkthrough and conversation surrounding Lichterman’s signature Discovery Forest Trail with trail designer Kerry White of Learning Landscapes Designs, LLC.

“To be recognized by a national organization like ANCA is not only exciting but it also gives us an opportunity to demonstrate our mission,” said MoSH Executive Director Kevin Thompson. “We really appreciate that they see Lichterman’s unique urban setting with a beautiful retreat full of wildlife, natural habitat, and educational opportunities for visitors.”

“With our new relationship with the City of Memphis, who will continue to be a great partner, we are excited to bring new funding and programming opportunities as well as talent to our organization to support the path forward for Lichterman,” continued Thompson.

To that end, MoSH has hired Sydney Calderon to serve as Lichterman Nature Center’s Animal and Programs Supervisor. Prior to moving to Memphis to join MoSH, Calderon served as Animal Care Keeper at Palm Desert’s Living Desert Zoo and Gardens and Wildlife Care Specialist for Project Wildlife in Ramona, California. She received her B.S. in Animal Science & Education from Cornell University and a master’s in biology from Miami University of Ohio.

“I am passionate about connecting guests with the natural world, especially wildlife and plant life that is native to their region,” said Calderon. “I look forward to bringing this passion, as well as my project management skills and broad background in exotic animal care and husbandry, to MoSH.”

Learn more about the 2024 ANCA Summit here: https://www.natctr.org/events/2024-summit.

ABOUT MOSH. The Museums of Science and History (MoSH) is the parent organization for a collection of Memphis’ greatest treasures – Pink Palace Museum & Mansion, Lichterman Nature Center, Mallory-Neely Historic Property, and Coon Creek Science Center – and offers visitors opportunities to experience the best of the region’s natural history, science, and culture. There is truly something for everyone at MoSH. For more information, visit moshmemphis.com.