About Us
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The Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies (CACS) is a 501-c-3 environmental education not-for-profit organization in Homer, Alaska. Established in 1982, CACS delivers educational programs and guided tours to over 11,000 students and visitors every year. Our grassroots organization enjoys the support of over 350 members, 100 volunteers and a variety of businesses in Homer that assist us in fulfilling our mission.

Since 1984, CACS has held the annual Kachemak Bay Coast Walk event that involves more than 200 volunteers who adopt a section of the Kachemak Bay shoreline and walk it annually, surveying changes, collecting data on marine life and human impacts, and cleaning up beach litter and marine debris.

Mission

Our mission is to foster responsible interaction with our natural surroundings and to generate knowledge of the unique marine and coastal ecosystems of Kachemak Bay through science-based environmental education and stewardship.

Goals

Science-Based Education:

To provide effective experience-based field science instruction to Alaska residents and visitors, with youth as the primary audience.

To provide the public and decision-makers with science-based information on critical environmental issues.

Stewardship:

To serve as a model of land management and environmental education that balances human use with protection of coastal environments.

To inspire citizens to make decisions and take actions that promote the health and integrity of ecosystems.

To engage citizens and students in the process of science through acquisition of scientific data that is needed to monitor the long-term processes and health of coastal ecosystems.

Core Purpose:

Alaska Coastal Ecological Education

Core Values:

Outside - Direct experience with the environment

Knowledge-based - Uniqueness of Kachemak Bay

Appreciation - change behavior and attitude

Responsibility - caring

Inclusive - abilities, economic, participants

BIG HAIRY AUDACIOUS GOALS:

1.  CACS operates year-round quality residential environmental education programs.

2.  CACS models sustainability in its programs, staffing, facilities and financial operations.

3.  CACS is nationally recognized for its leadership in quality environmental education.

4.  CACS cultivates environmental stewards for tomorrow.

 

Board of Directors

Michael Allen,  PRESIDENT
Development Director, Cook Inletkeeper, Homer, Alaska

David Aplin, VICE-PRESIDENT
Environmental Educator and Coordinator, Bering Sea Community Science Program, World Wildlife Fund, Homer, Alaska

Karen Marquardt, SECRETARY/TREASURER
Realtor and Marketing Consultant, Homer, Alaska

Benjamin Gibson
Carpentry Business-owner, Homer, Alaska

Patricia Kane
Teacher, Distance Delivery Education Program, Homer

Dr. Jack Regan
Retired Physician, Homer, Alaska

Duncan Wanamaker
Retired Teacher, Homer, Alaska

 

Staff

Melanie Dufour
OFFICE MANAGER
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Elizabeth Trowbridge
WYNN NATURE CENTER PROGRAM DIRECTOR/EDUCATOR
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Katie Spellman
PETERSON BAY PROGRAM DIRECTOR/EDUCATOR
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Naturalists and Interns Hired Seasonally

And Amazing Volunteers Make It Happen!  We love our volunteers!

Group of happy volunteers