Ankeny Hill Nature Center

Space Use Policy

The Ankeny Hill Nature Center provides a unique setting for wildlife, conservation, and education events/functions.  To ensure the safety of our guests and to preserve our facility, the following policies and procedures will be strictly enforced.

Eligible Users and Uses:

The Ankeny Hill Nature Center (AHNC) is a partnership between the Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service), the Salem Audubon Society (SAS), and the Friends of the Willamette Valley National Wildlife Refuge (WVNWRC).  Priority for use is given to events in support of the partnership groups’ missions.  Private use of the facility for events or functions is not permitted, to avoid a sense of competition with private business.  The facility may not be used for activities deemed inappropriate by the Refuge Manager.  The following types of groups may use the Ankeny Hill Nature Center:

  • Government Agencies

  • Community-based nonprofit and professional organizations

  • Education organizations and K-12 and university educators and students

  • Organizations for non-partisan public issue awareness and education and nonpartisan organizations promoting participation in the political process.

Event Staffing:

The Ankeny Hill Nature Center does not provide event staffing, only space.  It is the responsibility of the user to set up, take down, clean-up, run the event, and monitor event participants.

Authorization:

The user or organization must identify one person to coordinate the event details with an AHNC administrator.  The designated person will have the authority to make an agreement for Nature Center’s use.  Prior to each authorized event, a representative of the organization will be required to complete and sign a Space Use Request that authorizes the activities and notes any special conditions required of the user.  The permitting process is intended to protect both the facility management and user from misunderstandings that could arise from simple verbal discussions and agreements.

Space Limitations and Hours:

A reservation provides access to both the inside and outside meeting (class) rooms of Mark Gehlar Hall in addition to the open outdoors spaces of the Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge contained in and surrounding the Nature Center.. The number of guests must not exceed the maximum room capacity (50 occupants).  If last-minute guests are added who require additional accommodations and/or alternate space, the reservation may be renegotiated and adjusted accordingly.  All activities, including set-up and clean-up, will be conducted between Refuge operating hours, dawn and dusk, unless explicitly permitted. It is the responsibility of the user to see that all guests adhere to the times and locations specified in the user agreement.  Activities beyond the parameters of the permit will result in additional charges.

Property Damage:

The user will be held financially responsible for any and all damage to the facility, grounds, exhibits, works of art, equipment, or other Nature Center property damaged by any member of the user group and/or sub-contractor or volunteer of the user group.  All damage must be repaired to the satisfaction of the Visitor Services Manager.  The Ankeny Hill Nature Center is not responsible for the loss or damage to any property or liability sustained by members or guests while on the property.

Children:

Childcare facilities are not available.  All children must be under the direct supervision of an adult and must remain in the same room where the function is being held. 

Decorations & Signs:

Erecting or posting signs on the property is prohibited.  The walls of Gehlar Hall are made of Hemasote, a tack board surface.  These walls are a great feature and are available for use during the reservation time.  No material is to be fastened by any means to other surfaces, ceilings, or equipment without prior approval.  The contracting individual/organization is responsible for all cleaning charges resulting from decorations.  The use of candles or disposable materials such as balloons, confetti, rice, and birdseed are not allowed in the facility or on the grounds.  Room arrangements must meet all fire, safety, and building code requirements for access and egress. 

Green Requirement: REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE

The Ankeny Hill Nature Center tries to reduce waste whenever possible.  Through reducing, reusing, recycling, and composting, we can divert waste from the local landfill.  As you plan your event, make sure that you plan for and announce reminders at the beginning of the event:

  • Bring and use reusable supplies and utensils when possible

  • Please take time to sort your trash and recycling into the appropriate containers

  • Remove lids and caps, empty contents, and rinse all containers before recycling

  • Hot pots are available for making coffee or hot water for tea (tea, coffee grounds, sugar, and creamer not provided)

Parking:

Parking for Ankeny Hill Nature Center events can be a limiting factor in approving a request for use.  The visitor parking area has approximately 25 parking spaces with room for two buses.  There is overflow parking at the Volunteer Basecamp, just down the hill, with enough room for eight vehicles and one bus.  If it is obvious that an event will overwhelm the available parking, we reserve the option to deny the use request.  Other options may be available that will satisfy overflow parking and could include offsite arrangements, tour buses, carpooling, etc.