Effective immediately, changes are happening at Wild Bear Nature Center in Nederland. As the ecology center launches construction of the new net-zero nature center, proposed to open in the fall of 2024, Wild Bear’s Board of Directors is transitioning Jill Dreves from 28 years as Executive Director to Chief Vision Officer to fully oversee the project.
“These are very exciting times for Wild Bear, the community and I and this big vision for the community deserves my 100% focus,” says Dreves. For almost 30 years, Dreves has served as a visionary nature leader and passionate ambassador of the Wild Bear’s mission and has provided invaluable strategic vision to the organization.
John Farrell, Chair of the Wild Bear Board of Directors, applauds Dreves’ immense contributions as Executive Director. “Jill’s visionary leadership has been fundamental in shaping Wild Bear Nature Center into what it is today. We’re thrilled that she will continue to influence our journey, making a profound impact in her new role as CVO.”
Wild Bear Nature Center is currently located in the shopping center in downtown Nederland and has now launched construction of the new nature center. Eric Hansen, a seasoned nonprofit leader and partner at Boulder-based Social Venture Partners, brings his considerable expertise to Wild Bear during this transitional period. Hansen will provide stable and experienced leadership during the interim, ensuring the organization’s day-to-day operations continue smoothly during a nationwide search for a new Executive Director. Joining his side is Wild Bear’s former Education Director Michelle Witte, who will now serve as the Interim Deputy Director.
Since Wild Bear’s key role in the preservation of Mud Lake, the vision has always included the building of a nature center on their property located on the corner of Highway 72 and County Road 128. Dreves says that vision has evolved into something much more all-encompassing, a facility at the gateway of almost 3,000 acres, providing locals and visitors a place to learn about this mountain ecosystem, where our water comes from and how to be good stewards to the earth. The new nature center is powered by the sun and is connected to Nederland’s grid to give energy back to the town. Now, in this new role as CVO, Dreves will focus on fully funding and delivering this vision.
This plan to shift Dreves into this focused position has been in the plans for several years. “I am thrilled to finally be able to fully embrace this vision and to create meaningful opportunities for the community to get involved in the creation of this amazing resource. Wild Bear’s overarching message of the center is that we are nature, and when we realize this and fall in love with our backyard, we will do all that we can to protect it. The ultimate vision is to create an all-inclusive and accessible destination where people take time out of their busy lives to feel the healing power of nature.
“I am so grateful to our donors, board, volunteers, and staff who have been key to the success so far to build a strong organization and now building this powerful resource for nature and the community. I encourage all who would like to be part of this legacy to contact me.”
Dreves started Wild Bear Nature Center in 1995 with $500, leaving her teaching position at Nederland Elementary School to share her deep love of nature. “Wild Bear has a life of its own now and is truly a good people magnet,” says Dreves.
General Contractor Hunter Harris of Harris Dewart, describes the architecture as a “piano in the wilderness, an architectural masterpiece” developed by architects Arch 11. Now, this legacy project has the dedicated focus of Jill Dreves to continue raising funding and advocating for Wild Bear’s cause, a testament to Wild Bear’s commitment to strategic growth and continued excellence in service to the community.
To keep the community informed this summer, Wild Bear will host three public events this summer at Kathmandu Restaurant: July 19, August 23, and September 20, 3-5 p.m.
For more information about the new nature center, please visit gowild.wildbear.org. The new nature center is located at 88 Indian Peaks Drive.
