ABOUT US
OUR MISSION
Inspiring a lifelong connection to nature and community through creative exploration of the outdoors.
INSPIRING NATURE CONNECTION FOR 30 YEARS
Since 1995, Wild Bear Nature Center has been inspiring people of all ages to connect with the natural world through hands-on environmental education. What began as founder Jill Dreves' vision to share the joy of outdoor exploration with 25 local children has grown into a vital community institution serving thousands of visitors annually throughout the Peak-to-Peak region.
BUILDING TOMORROW'S NATURE CENTER
Today, Wild Bear stands at an exciting threshold. With over $10 million raised and construction underway, our new 8,500-square-foot net-zero nature center near Mud Lake will soon transform how we deliver our mission. This state-of-the-art facility — featuring interactive exhibits, outdoor classrooms, and direct access to 3,000 acres of public open space — will expand our capacity to offer year-round programming including nature camps, a forest preschool, school field trips, and community workshops.
Despite recent challenges, including the October 2025 fire that impacted our interim facility, Wild Bear continues to serve our community while preparing for this next chapter. Our dedicated team remains committed to providing transformative outdoor experiences that foster environmental stewardship and wonder in the next generation.
JOIN US ON THE JOURNEY
As we work toward opening our new nature center, we invite you to be part of Wild Bear's evolution. Whether through program participation, volunteering, or supporting our capital campaign, your involvement helps ensure that children and families will continue discovering the magic of nature in Colorado's mountains for generations to come.
CONSERVING MUD LAKE
In the late 1990s, Wild Bear worked with the Town of Nederland and Boulder County to restore nearby Mud Lake. Once a dumping ground, Mud Lake is now one of the healthiest wetland habitats on the Front Range. As part of Wild Bear’s resounding success in the preservation process, we purchased five acres of adjacent land and received voter approval to build a nature center on the site.
Wild Bear’s revitalized property sits at the gateway to 3,200 acres of preserved land. The new nature centre will be a landmark for Nederland’s community and a beacon of environmental education for the area.
THE INTERIM NATURE CENTER
In 2010, Wild Bear opened a free interim nature center in downtown Nederland. With hands-on exhibits and homegrown art, the nature center is a beloved destination for explorers of all ages.
On October 9, 2025, our interim nature center along with over a dozen other local businesses were decimated in the Lakeview Fire. We are continually working towards opening our new nature center, though many of our programs are able to continue as the outdoors are always available to us.
"[My son] can name all different types of clouds, showed me what gumweed is, and what you can use it for."
- Wild Bear Parent
HAVE YOU HAD A GOOD EXPERIENCE WITH US?