Subscription to The Acorn, ARNHA's informative quarterly journal. (Members: Request Acorn via e-mail:ARNHA@comcast.net) Download recent issues:Click here
Free entry to Ancil Hoffman Park ($5 per visit value)
10% discount on purchases at EYNC Discovery shop
Advance notice & sign-up privileges for special events & children's camps.
Who we are: ARNHA members are committed to "Bringing People to Nature and Nature to People" by supporting the Effie Yeaw Nature Center, the American River Parkway and nature education throughout the county. We are docents, receptionists, editors, writers, salespersons, special events coordinators, animal care people, tour guides and advocates for these magnificent community resources.
History: The American River Natural History Association (ARNHA) was formed in 1981 by concerned citizens when reduced county budgets threatened closure of the Effie Yeaw Nature Center and the end of its nature education programs that many consider vital to Sacramento regional schools.
Purpose: Founded on the premise that open space and contact with the natural world benefit the community and are essential to our quality of life, we at ARNHA promote understanding of the outdoor world along the American River Parkway and the complex relationships of people, plants and animals in our environment. If we can learn about and understand our parkway environment, we will learn to care for it and save it for future generations.
Tax-Exempt: ARNHA was incorporated in 1981 as a public benefit corporation for the purpose of promoting, aiding and augmenting the nature education activities of the Sacramento County Parks system. ARNHA is a tax exempt 501c3 organization.
Central to ARNHA's mission is its partnership with the Effie Yeaw Nature Center. Nestled at the edge of a forest of valley oaks next to the American River, this Sacramento County facility in Ancil Hoffman Park provides programs about nature, science, Native American Indians and the environment. The Center is a remarkable resource, situated within 77 acres of unspoiled woodland unique in a city environment. Click here for exciting Volunteer opportunities and find out where you fit in.
Over the years, thousands of school children, families and individuals have learned about nature and local history through the exhibits and interpretive programs conducted by the Center. ARNHA supports the Center with volunteers and fundraising.
Who is Effie Yeaw? Our Nature Center carries the name of a pioneer in outdoor education. We're pleased to follow the tradition started many years ago by Carmichael kindergarten teacher Effie Yeaw (she would tell you it rhymes with "jaw"), a tireless advocate for the creation and development of the American River Parkway. Her classroom embraced nature and nature's wonders, and she taught her young charges to love the outdoor world by sharing her own enthusiasm with them. Effie organized a program of nature walks winding through the woods along the American River. These same woods are the nature area surrounding the Effie Yeaw Nature Center, a perfect monument to a teacher who loved nature and dedicated herself to instilling that passion in others.
