Bluff News Archive Index:
January 2012
MLK Day of Service Was a Success:
Bluff Lake thanks all the volunteers and Americorps service members who helped clean up trash from the municipal stormwater outfall and along the fenceline on Martin Luther King Jr day.
January 2011
MLK Day of Service
In 1994, Congress designated the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday as a national day of service. In honor of the 25th anniversary of the inception of the federal holiday, Americans everywhere will remember Dr. King’s dreams for a better nation by volunteering in their communities. Part of United We Serve (the President's national call to service initiative), the goal for January 17 is to empower individuals, strengthen communities, bridge barriers, create solutions to social problems, and move us closer to Dr. King's vision of a ‘Beloved Community.’
This year, however, Bluff Lake will not be hosting a project. We have many uses for large groups of volunteers during the summer, but we don't have a big enough project for MLK Day. So, we encourage you to take a look at these opportunities:
**Now: Become an e-Photographer/Reporter for the Corporation for National & Community Service. Click here to learn more about the requirements and submit an application.
**Various Dates: Denver's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Colorado Holiday Commission has many volunteer opportunities associated with the Marade. Click here for contact information.
**Jan 17th: Volunteer with Wildlands Restoration Volunteers and seed part of South Platte Park with native seed. For more information, click here or call Mary at 303-543-1411.
**Jan 17th: GroundWork Denver volunteer pairs will go to houses in Northeast Park Hill offering to change front porch light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs. Call 303-455-5600 or email [email protected] by Wednesday, January 12th to volunteer.
December 2010
Thank You!
Because of you, Colorado Gives Day was a huge success!
Our donors and Board heard the call and together donated more than $10,000 to Bluff Lake Nature Center. We thank everyone for every single one of those dollars.
Thanks to Udi's in Stapleton for hosting us during the morning.
AmeriCorps NCCC Crew
For the past three years, we've been fortunate to work with the AmeriCorps NCCC in the months of November and December. An NCCC crew recently split their time between Bluff Lake and the Sand Creek Regional Greenway, helping improve not only Bluff Lake, but the riparian corridor as it winds through Stapleton and Commerce City.
Among their many projects, our 2010 NCCC crew helped build a handrail along the stairs.
Welcome to Lisa Chickos
Bluff Lake Nature Center would like to welcome our new Education Director, Lisa Chickos. Lisa comes to Bluff Lake all the way from Alaska, where she has served as the Outreach Director for the Alaska Zoo. At the zoo, Lisa oversaw all education and outreach programs, and was instrumental in developing new partnerships between the zoo and local schools. Lisa is a native of Florida and graduate of the University of Central Florida. Her past work has taken her to the Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach Florida, and Ventana Wildlife Society in Monterrey, California. Lisa begins her tenure at Bluff Lake on December 6. Her initial focus will be on learning our science education programs, while expanding our community-education programs.
November 2010
Autumn Transformations
This time of year we reflect on accomplishments and start planning for another year. Bluff Lake Nature Center accomplished quite a bit in 2010, including:
••• Teaching more than 4,500 kids from area schools about natural wonders at Bluff Lake.
••• Planting 175 native trees along Sand Creek, in the place of invasive Russian olives.
••• Hosting nearly 1,000 volunteers, who logged more than 5,000 total hours.
••• Providing critical (and free) public events such as Earth Day Recycling and our summer Fireside Chats.
••• Working with our neighbors in Stapleton to develop clean up and restoration days along Westerly Creek and Sand Creek.
We cannot accomplish these things without support of the community. As Denver’s largest nonprofit-owned open space, we rely upon community gifts to continue offering our programs and restoration work. In 2010, our Annual Appeal coincides with Community First Foundation’s first Colorado Gives Day. Colorado ranks as one of the lowest states in the U.S. for philanthropic giving and Community First Foundation has chosen December 8th as a day to promote individual giving in Colorado.
On December 8, donations will be accepted for 24 hours on the GivingFirst.org web site. Best of all for Bluff Lake and our donors, the value of all donations made that day will be boosted by the “Incentive Fund” that was started by FirstBank and is supported by many Denver companies.
Make your year-end donation to Bluff Lake Nature Center on December 8th. Your gift (plus the incentive boost) will go directly to support our environmental education and conservation efforts. We hope you will add the date to your calendar and plan to support your neighborhood wildlife refuge. As always, we value your partnership and appreciate your support.
October 2010
Green & Halloween
If you want some tips for greening your Halloween, check out our Twitter tweets or our Facebook posts.
The North Face: A Partner And Funder
PlanetExplore.com is an online portal to the outdoors and Bluff Lake Nature Center became a part of their online community earlier this year. It has been a wonderful place to list our events, especially our Fireside Chats. The North Face created it and, with it, they created the Explore Fund. As announced recently, Bluff Lake is one of the lucky grant recipients.
Fall Means It's Time For Family Photos
John Bosley Photography is
offering a great deal on professional portraits taken at Bluff Lake. There are three photo packages, priced at only $100, $150 and $200, and a portion of the price will be donated to BLNC. Click here for more information and to schedule a photo session before the beautiful fall colors have faded.
September 2010
Popsicle the Polar Bear: Grant News
Three generous SCFD grants have been announced: Denver County Culutral Council awarded $28,252, Arapahoe County Cultural Council awarded $20,000, and Adams County Cultural Council awarded $15,250. This funding gets BLNC off to a good start for our 2011 budget needs. Many thanks to all the Council volunteers/staff and the Citizens of SCFD.
August 2010
Thank you, REI!
Many thanks go to REI for awarding a $15,000 grant to help with creek restoration at Bluff Lake. REI generously funds nonprofits, like BLNC, to help engage communities in outdoor recreation, volunteerism & environmental stewardship. ~ Thanks also to Mary Jo Hansen for nominating Bluff Lake and for being a great Bluff Lake volunteer!
Denver's 7 A-List
Vote for Bluff Lake Nature Center! We're thrilled to be nominated with the likes of Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver Art Museum, Denver Zoo, etc. Click here and make us #1 in the Denver area.
Job Opening: Education Director
Our Education Director, Susan Beckett, will be leaving in a few weeks for a job at University of Colorado, so we are searching for someone who can oversee all aspects of the BLNC Education Program including curriculum design, program development, marketing, scheduling, and school partnerships. Click here for the full job description.
July 2010
Morning News
Cody White of KDVR FOX 31 visited Bluff Lake on July 16th and interviewed Susan Beckett, our Education Director, about our beautiful urban wildlife refuge. Click their logo below to see the segment for yourself.
June 2010
Partners in Sustainability
If you have been introduced to Bluff Lake recently, you may have talked with one of our new friends at EcoMark Realty. They are a group of realtors who "focus on green and sustainable residential real estate." And they are our new outreach partner – they are introducing clients and potential clients Bluff Lake as they travel through adjacent neighborhoods. We truly appreciate the help!
May 2010
Thank you!
Denver Post Charities, a McCormick Foundation Fund, notified us late last week that they have awarded an $8,000 grant in support of our environmental education programs! Support like this helps Bluff Lake Nature Center educate kids from low-income schools.
"Colorado Getaways" Segment on CBS4
If you missed the CBS4 Colorado Getaways show on May 14th, you didn't get to see the exciting segment they aired about Bluff Lake - with the wildlife, fantastic scenery, and interviews of visitors - so click here to watch the video now.
Grant Award
Bluff Lake thanks the Aveda Experience Center at Park Meadows for awarding a $1,000 grant in support of our educational Fireside Chats!
Thanks to Bowdoin Club of Denver
An enthusiastic group of volunteers - Bowdoin Club of Denver - helped out at Bluff Lake recently. Rather than chattering like we usually do, we'll let you hear about the day from their perspective...
Click here for their Blog
Click here for their Video
April 2010
Volunteering
The Denver Post publishes a Volunteer Guide annually, because "Now more than ever, volunteer efforts are crucial to our community. Find out how you can get involved." Bluff Lake's Ambassador volunteer opportunity (on page 6) is among many listings in this year's guide. Click here to view the guide or click here to see more Bluff Lake volunteer opportunities.
Grant Award
Bluff Lake thanks Venoco Inc. for awarding a $2,500 grant in support of our Education Program!
Job Announcement
BLNC is searching for an AmeriCorps*VISTA. Our VISTA will work closely with the local communities to develop more opportunities to provide nature education to underserved youth. Click here for details.
Westword's Best of Denver Award
Our Fireside Chats were named the Best Urban Campfire in Westword's 2010 Best of Denver Awards issue. They said: "From your campfire seat at sunset, see why this spot has been the ideal setting to watch the comings and goings of (wild)life in Denver."
March 2010
LIFE!
Have you seen any episodes of Discovery Channel's LIFE? This eleven part series presents animal adaptations in never before seen detail, captured with the latest in fiming techniques. It will appeal to everyone in your family... And thanks to the folks at Allied Integrated Marketing for providing some tickets to the movie theater premier for our members!
February 2010
Fireside Chat Dates and Topics Announced
We will have more information for you soon, but for now (drum roll please) here are dates and topics for our Fireside Chats.
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June 10 – Brilliant Beavers by Bluff Lake Staff
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June 24 – Backyard habitats by Naturalist Susan Smith
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July 8 – Folk stories, speaker to be determined
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July 22 – Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge staff will come tells us about what’s going on just north of Bluff Lake.
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August 12 – Matt Gray from Johnson and Wales University shares his knowledge of wildlife tracking.
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August 26 – Denver Zoo will bring some Colorado herps (AKA: reptiles and amphibians) to Bluff Lake for a visit.
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Register Today for Summer Camps
Bluff Lake's Junior Naturalist Summer Camps are a great way to get your kids (ages 6 to 10) outside and learning about the natural world during their summer break. Some of our weeks are filling up fast, so be sure to get your registrations in quickly. Click the link above for more information.
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Search, Shop, Support Bluff Lake
We have something new and exciting we'd like to share with you! It's the new Bluff Lake toolbar - once added to IE or Firefox, each time you shop at more than 1,300 stores (from Amazon to Zazzle!) a percentage of your purchase will automatically be donated to Bluff Lake - at no cost to you (and you may even save money as the toolbar provides coupons and deals as well!). The toolbar also has a search box and each time you search the Internet, about a penny is donated to Bluff Lake.
January 2010
Garden Show Coupon
The Colorado Garden & Home Show has been a great supporter of BLNC over the years. Their generosity helps us with planting projects, especially in the bluff-top gardens. Get a jump on your summer gardening by visiting the Garden & Home Show, at the Colorado Convention Center from February 13 to 21. The show features displays from hundreds of home and garden experts, as well as classes and lectures for those "do it yourself" types. As part of their ongoing support of Bluff Lake, the Colorado Garden & Home Show has offered a $2 off coupon to supporters of Bluff Lake.
A Big Honor
The Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (CAEE) will present Patrick Emery (Bluff Lake Board Member and Director of Balarat Outdoor Education Center) with their Enos Mills Lifetime Achievement Award on March 12th. We certainly agree that he deserves such recognition for his efforts. Thanks, Patrick!
In The News
A great big thank you goes out to the folks at 50 Plus Marketplace News for their recent article about Bluff Lake. If you read the article and would like to visit us, please click here for directions to the site. If you would like to visit the paper's web site, please click here.
December 2009
The Eagle Has Landed
Bluff Lake's annual visitor - the Bald Eagle - has returned and our friend, Kate Kramer of Sand Creek Regional Greenway, sent us some great photos. Click on the photo below to see a larger version and another great photo.
Donate Your Car
It is getting close to the end of the year... Are you trying to figure out what to do with your old car? Would you like a break on your taxes? Donate your car to Bluff Lake through our partner, Cars Helping Charities. BLNC has received nearly $500 from car donations this year.
Mortenson Donates A Truck to Bluff Lake
BLNC thanks our friends from Mortenson Construction for their donation of a Chevy Silverado. As our restoration efforts increase, we've found a greater need for a full-sized truck to haul trees, pull trailers, and assist in all of the work required for the management of our 123 acre site. Mortenson donated the truck, just in time for our work with AmeriCorps volunteers. We cannot do our work without the generous support of the community, and we thank Mortenson for helping make our efforts possible.
Xcel Purchases Native Trees for Bluff Lake
In November, Little Valley Nursery and Denver's Mile High Million came to BLNC with an offer to purchase native trees at a greatly reduced price. The end of the year was near, so we turned to one of our strongest supporters, Xcel Energy Foundation. As a result of Xcel's generosity, we were able to plant 50 native trees throughout Bluff Lake and along Westerly Creek in Stapleton, just south of Martin Luther King Boulevard. The trees were among the largest ever planted at Bluff Lake - most ranging from 300 to 500 pounds - and will soon provide critical habitat for wildlife at Bluff Lake.
The planting is part of a multi-year effort at Bluff Lake to plant more than a thousand native trees and large shrubs throughout the Nature Center and adjacent parcels. We cannot do our work with out the support of our volunteers and community partners like Xcel Energy Foundation. We thank Xcel for its ongoing support.
November 2009
Please Vote for Bluff Lake!
Chase Bank is giving away $5 million to nonprofit agencies and Bluff Lake wants to be one of the lucky recipients. The trick is that they are letting communities decide by voting on Facebook. Please take a minute to become a fan of Chase Community Giving and then vote for Bluff Lake Nature Center.
Citizen Volunteers Honored
On October 16th, Carl Wells - a BLNC Board Member and Volunteer Naturalist - was honored for his work at Bluff Lake by the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District (SCFD).
We cannot thank Carl enough for all of his help! He deserves this recognition, as do all of the volunteers that were nominated. They have made significant impacts on the arts, scientific and cultural community in the metro Denver area. Pictures from the event are on our Facebook page.
Cold, Rainy, Snowy...
The forecasters say that cold, rain and snow are coming to Denver this weekend. If you are feeling the need for fun indoor activities for your kids, visit the Environmental Education for Kids (EEK!) Rainy Day Activity Page.
Giving Made Easy, Donate Online!
BLNC has partnered with GivingFirst.org, a program of Community First Foundation. Through GivingFirst,100% of your donation comes to BLNC—no more stamps, no more envelopes—simply donate online. Click here to learn more.
October 2009
15 Ways to Celebrate 15 Years
Bluff Lake Nature Center is approaching our 15 Year Anniversary. We've been blessed with a growing number of supporters as our organization continues to grow. Many of you have asked how you can become more involved with Bluff Lake. We'd like to share 15 Ways to Celebrate 15 Years at Bluff Lake.
#1 Become a Member
Bluff Lake was given ownership of our land about this time last year. This marks an exciting new era for the organization, but one in which we'll need the support of our friends. If you value Bluff Lake for our programs, our restoration efforts, or simply for the knowledge that a large piece of urban open space is protected, please make a donation to become a member.
#2 Volunteer
Bluff Lake manages 123 acres of open space and we educate more than 7,000 visitors each year. We cannot accomplish our work without a dedicated group of volunteers. We have an array of Volunteer Positions - Naturalists, Community Ambassadors, Site Restoration, and Committees. Email Kristin to learn more.
#3 Donate a Vehicle
Did you miss the Cash for Clunkers bonanza and still have that clunker in your driveway? Consider donating it to Bluff Lake. You receive a tax write off, and Bluff Lake receives the proceeds from the sale of the car. The best part? You simply contact Cars Helping Charities and they do the rest.
#4 Check out our Wish List
Bluff Lake has a long list of items that we need to effectively accomplish our mission - from binoculars and warm gloves to support our Education programs to a Chop Saw and Tractor for Site Management, you just might have what we're looking for. As with any donation to Bluff Lake Nature Center, these come with added benefit of receiving a tax write off. More items are listed on our Wish List page.
#5 Get Your Company Involved
We enjoy strong support from many local businesses. From program sponsorships to volunteer projects and matching gifts, Denver businesses strengthen our work. If your company has a strong mission to support the community, ask your human resource department or community relations officer about matching your donation to Bluff Lake, or sponsoring one of our 2010 programs. Email Mendy, Bluff Lake's Development Director, for more details.
#6 Whiten Your Smile for the Holidays
Drs. Brett and Gina Kessler at Town Center Dentistry in Stapleton have agreed to donate $200 for every teeth whitening procedure they do in 2009. The holidays are just around the corner. Call 303-321-4445 to make your appointment, and greet the holidays with a white smile!
#7 Purchase an EcoMetro Guide
The 2010 EcoMetro Guide is out. The guide contains hundreds of coupons for ecologically-friendly Denver businesses. Half of your $20 purchase goes directly to Bluff Lake Nature Center. Deals include three free RTD passes, discounts at Udis and REI, and discounts at dozens of Denver cultural organizations. Support sustainable business and give back to Bluff Lake! Email Mendy to get yours today.
#8 Attend our Autumn Open House
On October 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., join us throughout the morning for guided tours of Bluff Lake and environmentally-friendly, craft activities for the whole family. Plus, enjoy Native American flutist and storyteller, Bailey Phelps, at Noon.
#9 Plant Colorado natives in your own yard
Bring the spirit of Bluff Lake Nature Center to your own yard. Our Bluff-top gardens have more than 50 beautiful Colorado natives that require little to no water. Visit our friends and donors at Nick's Garden Center, Timberline Gardens, and Welby Gardens to pick up your own natives!
#10 Join a Bird Walk
Dozens of bird species visit Bluff Lake Nature Center on any given day. Join the Bluff Lake Birders on the first Saturday of each month for their 7:00 a.m. bird walk.
#11 Sponsor a bus for a school
Did you know that Bluff Lake Nature Center pays for busses for the majority of students who visit Bluff Lake? The busses cost $105 each, and Bluff Lake spends up to $10,000 a year to make sure deserving students are able to visit. Consider sponsoring a single bus, or having your company sponsor Bluff Lake visits for an entire quarter. Contact Glenn Fee via email or at 303-344-1249 for more details.
#12 Add Bluff Lake Nature Center to Your Will
Adding your favorite charities to your will is a meaningful way to leave a legacy and Bluff Lake Nature Center would be honored to be among your selected recipients. Please visit our donation page for suggested language and talk it over with your family.
#13 Become a Fan on Facebook
If you are already on Facebook, this is probably the easiest of all the 15 Ways to Celebrate Bluff Lake. Click here to view the BLNC Facebook page and become a fan. If you're already a fan, encourage your friends to become fans.
#14 Become Involved in the Children & Nature Network
A primary goal of Bluff Lake Nature Center is to get people in our community outside to enjoy nature. The Children & Nature Network is working towards that goal on a national level, and they have established Nature Rocks, a web site that provides information about outdoor activities for families.
#15 Shop Online for the Holidays
Are you looking for a way to reduce your eco footprint? Consider shopping online for the holidays. If you do, please consider utilizing GoodSearch and iGive. Through GoodSearch and iGive, you can shop with hundreds of national merchants. Select Bluff Lake Nature Center as your beneficiary and a portion of your purchases will be donated to support your natural neighbor.
BLNC's New Board members
Chris Leding and Jeff Stahlhut recently joined the Bluff Lake Board of Directors. Read more in The Denver Post.
September 2009
Urban Spaces, Wild Places
The 2009 Urban Spaces, Wild Places event was a lot of fun! Many thanks to our award winners, our sponsor FirstBank of Denver, and everyone who attended the event. Click here for photos from the evening and information about the awardees.
Buy Your EcoMetro Guide from BLNC
EcoMetro Guide is: a coupon book, a directory, a source of ideas and inspiration. The first Denver edition has hundreds of coupons and resources for exploring our community and supporting local, sustainable businesses.
You’ll find everyday savings with offers for 3 free passes from RTD, discounts at Sunflower Market, the Denver Zoo, REI, Tony’s Market, the YMCA, Children’s Museum, Ace Hardware and many, many more! ~ The books are sold for $20 and BLNC keeps 50% per book! Email Mendy or click here to purchase yours today.
August 2009
Clunkers for Bluff Lake
The "Cash for Clunkers" program may be coming to an end, but "Clunkers for Bluff Lake" is here to stay. If you have an old vehicle that you'd like to get rid of, please consider donating it to BLNC. We have joined forces with Cars Helping Charities to make the process a breeze. Please click here to learn more.
Volunteers Needed
Are you looking for a way to have a positive impact on your community? To answer President Obama's call to service by helping out? To learn new job skills? To let our kids and our environment know they are important? Become a volunteer Naturalist or Site Steward at Bluff Lake Nature Center! Call Kristin Libberton at 303-344-1282 for more information, and get started today!
Colorado Fall Home Show
Colorado Garden Show, Inc. (a generous BLNC funder) will present the Colorado Fall Home Show September 19-20, 2009. This show will feature more than 300 companies and focus on home renovation, remodeling, and sustainable living. In addition to the exhibitors, there will be two demonstration theaters with sessions focusing on sustainability, energy efficiency, interior design, remodeling and cooking.
Similar to the annual Colorado Garden & Home Show, a percentage of the proceeds generated at the Colorado Fall Home Show will extend grants and scholarships for Colorado’s horticulture industry. CGSI awarded a record amount of more than $500,000 in horticulture grant projects and scholarships for 2008-2009 and has awarded more than $3 million for horticulture projects and scholarships throughout the state since the 1970's.
For more information, please click here.
July 2009
Grant from Xcel Energy Foundation
Xcel Energy Foundation's Director of Corporate Philanthropy visited Bluff Lake recently and brought news that the foundation has awarded a $5,000 environmental grant to BLNC for the second year in a row. BLNC is grateful for this gift and we look forward to partnering with Xcel Energy employees on a restoration volunteer project in the near future.
Bluff Lake in the News
2> BLNC's 2008 Annual Report is now available. It was an exciting year, so click here to read it online.
1> July 4th weekend, the Denver Post ran an article "Small steps, big impact when kids hit the trails" about places around the Denver area to take kids out to enjoy nature and Bluff Lake is number two on the list.
June 2009
Bluff Lake in the News
1> Articles in the May issue of Stapleton Front Porch featured Bluff Lake and our volunteers.
2> In a recent issue of Westword, Kenny Be's "Summer Stay-cation #2" focuses on Stapleton and, though it is a comic, gets it mostly right about BLNC's Fireside Chats.
3> June's edition of the Stapleton Front Porch includes and article about a volunteer stewarship project completed by students from The Odyssey School.
May 2009
Boardwalk Reopened
At long last, the Boardwalk repairs are complete. At least 500 volunteer hours were dedicated to replacing the splintering wood boards. Many thanks to our volunteers! And thanks to visitors for your patience with the closure.
Thank You to Town Center Dentistry
If you are thinking about getting your teeth whitened, then consider going to Town Center Dentistry in Stapleton. Drs. Brett and Gina Kessler are going to donate $250 to BLNC for every person that undergoes the teeth whitening procedure this year. Call 303-321-4445 today to make your appointment.
New Programs to Get Your Kids Outdoors
BLNC is pleased to announce our new programs designed to get your kids outdoors and reduce your need for a babysitter. Click here for more information.
* Outdoor Adventure Club - Saturday, May 30
* Parents' Night Out - Friday, June 5
* Nature Detectives - Saturday, July 11
Bluff Lake in the News
The current issue of Front Porch, Stapleton's community newspaper, has a story about a Bluff Lake Volunteer (Erika Walker), a blurb about the Earth Day Bird Walk, and a story that includes one our our Board Members (Billy Brown). Click here to view those articles.
Thank You to our Earth Day Sponsors!
* Udi's Bread Cafe
* All Things Renewable
* Cold Stone Creamery
* An's Lemongrass Grille
* Amore Fiori
* U-Shampooch
* Core Power Yoga
* Art & Framing At Stapleton
* Fantastic Sams
* Colorado Contemporary Dance Academy
* Sweet Life Nail Bar & Lounge
* Quebec Square Family Dentistry
Exceptional Volunteer Award
Do you know exceptional BLNC volunteers? Then click here to nominate them for our "Dirty Hands Award" that will be given at our 2009 Urban Spaces, Wild Places event in September.
April 2009
Earth Day Events: New Schedule
Bluff Lake Nature Center is thrilled about the much-needed moisture filling our lake and improving the habitat for our migrating birds. However, due to the weather we have decided to postpone the Birdhouses on the Bluff event on Saturday. We hope that you will join us on Earth Day, Wednesday April 22, between 5:00 and 7:30 to make bird houses and bird feeders. At 6:00, we will hold our previously scheduled bird walk with Bluff Lake Naturalist, Carl Wells, and Education Director, Susan Beckett. We hope you’ll still plan to join us.
Click here for more details on all of Bluff Lake Nature Center’s Earth Day and spring activities, including Wednesday’s Locavore Shopping Day and our Spring Membership Drive. Thank you for your support of Bluff Lake Nature Center!
Earth Day at Bluff Lake Sponsors
Shop or eat at these Stapleton and Northfield businesses on Earth Day (April 22nd) and a percentage of your bill will be donated to Bluff Lake.
* Udi's Bread Cafe
* All Things Renewable
* Cold Stone Creamery
* An's Lemongrass Grille
* Amore Fiori
* U-Shampooch
BLNC Membership Drive Prize Donors
Join or renew before May 1st and you'll be entered into a drawing for great prizes from these Stapleton and Northfield businesses.
* Core Power Yoga
* Art & Framing
* Fantastic Sams
* Colorado Contemporary Dance Academy
* Sweet Life Nail Bar & Lounge
* Quebec Square Family Dentistry
March 2009
Earth Day Events: April 18 to 25
BLNC's Earth Day events will focus on birds, while encouraging area residents to become locavores through supporting local businesses and their local nature center. Click here for a full description.
Exceptional Volunteer Award
Do you know exceptional BLNC volunteers? Then click here to nominate them for our "Dirty Hands Award" that will be given at our 2009 Urban Spaces, Wild Places event in September.
Volunteer Appreciation
In late February, BLNC threw a party for our volunteers to celebrate the fact that they collectively donated 5,150 hours to our conservation efforts and environmental education programs. In addition to thanking them for all their hard work, we would also like to thank Billy & Krista Brown for hosting the party and buying some of the food, Mayfair Liquors for donating wine and beer, and Ling & Louie's in Northfield for donating appetizers.
February 2009
Welcome Trisha Sejas
BLNC is pleased to introduce a new staff member, Trisha Sejas. Trisha joined the Bluff Lake staff on Monday, and will serve as our Bilingual Educator. She will continue our recent work to increase stewardship of Bluff Lake through outreach and service learning programs in the surrounding communities. Trisha will teach our elementary programs in Spanish and English, and aid in the development of new public programs, helping us meet the increased demand from our members and neighbors.
Prior to joining Bluff Lake, Trisha served as a Naturalist with the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, a suburb of Chicago. She has worked at a wide range of environmental education facilities including the National Park Service, residential outdoor education centers, park districts and forest preserves. Trisha has traveled and lived in Chile and Bolivia, where she had the chance to learn Spanish and present natural history programs to the schools and to the general public.
AmeriCorps*VISTA Position Available
BLNC is accepting applications for an AmeriCorps*VISTA position. This will be BLNC's second year to host a VISTA, and we plan to have our new VISTA work closely with the local communities and develop more opportunities for BLNC to provide nature education to underserved youth. Please click here for information about applying.
January 2009
Interest & Feedback Survey
BLNC wants to know what programs interest our members and visitors, and we have partnered with Omni Research to collect that information. Please click here and take a few minutes to complete our short online survey. You'll then have a chance to win a Bluff Lake mug and shirt!
Renew America Together
BLNC helped some of our Stapleton neighbors pick-up trash along Westerly Creek on MLK Day as part of a national day of service. Click here to take a look at a video about the project or check our Facebook page to see some pictures.
Colorado Garden & Home Show
One of BLNC's newest grants is from Colorado Garden & Home Show in support of educational efforts in our Native Garden on the bluff-top. Their 2009 show is February 7th through 15th. Among the many ideas presented at the show, BLNC supporters might be especially interested in visiting the Smart Energy Living Pavilion for tips to “green” your home. Click here for a $2 off regular adult admission coupon.
The Nature Conservancy
Our partnership with The Nature Conservancy's Colorado Program has been extremely beneficial! They have helped us by providing speakers for our Fireside Chats and advising us in fundraising efforts. BLNC has helped TNC with their outreach efforts. They noted the success of the partnership in their review of 2008. Click here to read about it.
November/December 2008
Year End Gifts
Many families make charitable giving decisions this time of year and we would like to ask that you keep BLNC in mind. If you have already decided to make a gift to BLNC, please click on the button below to donate with a credit card or click here for a form to mail-in with a check.
Penny & Fritz
Our friends, Penny and Fritz are getting married. They are already generous supporters of BLNC, giving both time and money, and now they have asked their wedding guests to make donations in their honor to BLNC or Colorado Children’s Chorale. We are the ones who are honored! Thank you Penny & Fritz!
2009 Photo Calendar
Bluff Lake is a great place for photographers and several have volunteered their photos for a 2009 Bluff Lake Calendar, which has twelve pictures taken at the site of the scenery, wildlife, and native plants. Click here to purchase your copies and proceeds will go to support BLNC.
Boardwalk Work
BLNC's boardwalk, stretching out over the wetlands, provides some of the best views of our seasonal lake. Being made of wood, it has required regular maintenance with weatherizing chemicals that are potentially harmful to the plants and animals that thrive in the wetlands. Perhaps less problematic, but also relevant, our visitors have often reported catching splinters.
We are currently replacing the decking with environmentally friendly composite boards. This means, unfortunately, that the boardwalk will be closed for a few weeks as we lay the new material. However, all of the other trails on our 123 acre site are still open and ready to take you on other great adventures.
Are you on Facebook?
Then become a fan of the Bluff Lake Nature Center page to view photos and videos of the live raptors that visited for the October 26th Autumn Open House and stay in touch with other events at Bluff Lake.
October 2008
Volunteers Make Bluff Lake Go Round
BLNC has many wonderful volunteers who contribute thousands of hours of work every year to our conservation and education programs. Recently, a volunteer group from University of Colorado Denver helped us in the gardens. Click here to read an article about their experience. BLNC thanks these students and the hundreds of other volunteers who lend us a hand.
Urban Spaces, Wild Places
Thanks to everyone who celebrated with us on October 3rd! We had a great time at Fuel Cafe with our award winners and other friends. Please click here for an article about the event and winners, and to see some great pictures.
September 2008
Celebrate with BLNC
Please mark your calendar for BLNC's upcoming celebration of "Urban Spaces, Wild Places." This year's event, on October 3rd, will honor ERO Resources Corporation and it will be held at Fuel Cafe. Please click here to buy tickets with a credit card or for news about our awardees and sponsors.
Bluff Lake's Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes serve an important role in our ecosystem by providing food to several critters at Bluff Lake. Bats, birds, dragonflies, fish and turtles are some of the species that we can count on for population control. Despite the pesky qualities that mosquitoes have, without them these species would be missing a crucial part of their diet. Click here to read more about mosquitoes and BLNC's management practices.
August 2008
Bluff Lake Hiring - Temporary Position
Ever wanted to work at Bluff Lake? Then click here to look at our job announcement for a temporary position.
Save the Date
Please mark your calendar for BLNC's upcoming celebration of "Urban Spaces, Wild Places." This year's event, on October 3rd, will honor ERO Resources Corporation and it will be held at Fuel Cafe. Please click here for more information.
July 2008
Dirty Hands Award Nominations
Do you know a great Bluff Lake volunteer? Then please take a minute to fill out a nomination form. BLNC will present the award at our Urban Spaces, Wild Places event in October.
June 2008
Fireside Chats
Our Fireside Chat series is in full swing! Be sure to mark your calendars for the upcoming chats on June 26th, July 10th and July 24th. For these three chats, we have guest speakers visiting Bluff Lake from The Nature Conservancy and Rocky Mountain Raptor Program. We are delighted to partner with these agencies! -- The topics are great and your kids won't want to miss the fun we have roasting marshmallows after each program.
Volunteer, see Tom Petty and more
BLNC is proud to partner with AEG Live, presenters of the 2008 Mile High Music Festival. As part of our partnership, AEG Live has generously donated 20 tickets for use as a reward for people willing to volunteer for a special BLNC project on July 16th. The tickets, valued at $85, are good for the show on July 19th which features Tom Petty, Steve Winwood, Spearhead, Josh Ritter, and more. We will take registrants for the project and tickets on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning with Bluff Lake members. Members may register for this opportunity now and registration will be open to all Bluff Lake friends on June 25th. -- To register, send an email to [email protected]. When we receive your email, we will respond with registration status. To become a member of Bluff Lake and be immediately eligible for this opportunity, visit our Membership page.
May 2008
Thanks to our May 17th Volunteers
We had another fantastic project day at Bluff Lake with more than 40 volunteers! Thanks to all of you for helping us beautify our gardens on the top of the bluff and clearing nocious trees down by Sand Creek. ~ Click here for information about our next project on September 13th.
Stream Restoration Project Day
Join us on May 17th for our second volunteer project day for 2008! ~ You (and at least 50 other volunteers) will help us remove invasive weeds from
the adjacent Aurora property while planting native willows and
cottonwoods along the creek.
In the Newspaper
**April 28th: An article entitled "School costs endanger field trips" appeared in the Denver Post and BLNC staff wrote a letter to the editor to underscore the value of field trips. Whether students take a trip to Bluff Lake or another program, "field trips expose them to an array of ideas and allow their imaginations to flourish."
**May 9th: A new Denver Post article, "Learning goes into the wild," mentions BLNC's efforts to help kids experience nature.
Don't Miss Out
BLNC has a lot of exciting things happening! Be sure to put our Fireside Chats in your calendar. If you are looking for a summer camp for your kids, please consider our Junior Naturalist camps. (There are only a few slots available.) Don't forget that our offices moved and we have new phone numbers. And last, but not least, invitations for our Wine & Cheese on the Bluff event will be in the mail soon. Be sure an invite is addressed to you by becoming a member today!
April 2008
Office Move Complete
We moved! Our offices are now on Colfax Avenue in Original Aurora and we are excited to get to know our new neighborhood - which happens to be within the watershed for Bluff Lake. Please take a look at our Contact Us page for our new mailing address and at our Staff page for our new phone numbers.
Jim Esten's Photography Show
Bluff Lake has inspired many photographers over the years and Jim Esten is among the best of them. During May, some of his photos will be on display and available for sale at SouthEnders in Stapleton. Please join us for the opening show on May 2nd. Click here for more information about the opening.
Thanks to our April 5th Volunteers
Amazingly, 53 people volunteered for our April 5th project day! And the weather was perfect for planting native grass plugs... Click here for information about our next project on May 17th.
March 2008
Native Grass Planting
Join us on April 5th for our first volunteer project day for 2008! ~ You (and at least 50 other volunteers) will help us plant thousands of grass plugs throughout the refuge, and you will learn about our continued efforts to restore native shortgrass prairie at Bluff Lake.
Save The Date
Every year, BLNC hosts Wine & Cheese on the Bluff to thank our members, donors and volunteers. The event is free for our supporters and will be held on June 11th this year. ~ Not a BLNC member? Become one now and we'll send you an invitation in May.
February 2008
Thank You Major Donors
BLNC is the proud recipient of a recent $20,000 grant from The Denver Foundation. This award and awards from SCFD, Charles T. Beaird Foundation, and Charles R. Jelm Charitable Foundation have helped BLNC get off to a strong start in 2008.
Junior Naturalist Camps: Register Now
Registration for BLNC ’s popular Junior Naturalist summer camps is now open for members and non-members, and a couple of weeks are already full - so visit our Junior Naturalist page and register now.
Project WILD Teacher Workshop
This year the Bluff Lake Education staff will be offering Project WILD for elementary school teachers. Credit is available through the School of Mines. Click here to view the flyer with all the details. Click here to register.
January 2008
Junior Naturalist Registration Opens
Registration for Bluff Lake Nature Center’s popular Junior Naturalist program begins on February 8 for Bluff Lake members. Non-members may register beginning February 22. Visit our Junior Naturalist page for more information on this summer’s upcoming programs.
Project WILD Teacher Workshop
This year the Bluff Lake Education staff will be offering Project WILD for elementary school teachers. Credit is available through the School of Mines. Click here to view the flyer with all the details. Click here to register.
Christin Ripley Joins BLNC Staff
We’re pleased to announce that Christin Ripley will join our staff as part of the AmeriCorps VISTA program. A native of Vermont and graduate of Appalachian State University in North Carolina, Christin comes to us with a strong wildlife management background. Christin will begin on February 16 and focus on connecting underserved youth to programs offered at Bluff Lake.
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