It’s hard to imagine Nederland without Nature’s Own occupying that corner of 1st Street and Bridge Street. If any business in Nederland can be called “iconic,” this is the one. Other businesses come and go in town, but Nature’s Own has been there since 1986.
Founded by Roy Young, the business was inspired, essentially, by Young’s desire to provide financial support for the many environmental causes to which he has dedicated his life. The shop, it seems, is merely a sideline to what Young finds truly important.
That is not to say that the fossils and minerals displayed and sold at Nature’s Own are not important in and of themselves. Young was educated in geology, and desired to share that fascination with others.
Nature’s Own is, according to warehouse manager Kate Readio, “a science and nature store that features minerals, fossils, gemstone jewelry, stone gifts, science toys, and an eclectic selection of books.”
The store also “promotes the earth science behind the minerals and fossils that we offer. Roy’s education as a scientist gives the store a unique emphasis.” He is “always excited to find unique museum-quality fossils and minerals that he can feature in the store.”
Readio, who has worked with Young since 1987, shares information that reveals where Young’s heart really is. He “was involved in the Rocky Flats protests and the protests at the nuclear test site in Nevada. He was only about a mile away from the detonation of an underground test in 1985 or ‘86. He was also arrested for protesting at the Earth Summit in Rio in 1992. He was a cofounder of EcoCycle with Pete Grogan.”
After trying to raise funding for the environmental causes he felt strongly about, he decided to open a business to raise money himself. As with so many small business ventures, the beginning of Nature’s Own was almost accidental. Readio tells us that Young “was digging fossil fish in Wyoming, ran out of gas money and sold the fossils. He realized there was a market for fossils and minerals. He was also inspired by Charlie Eagleplume’s store in Allenspark. He realized that a wonderful store can become a destination.”
Lovers of Nature’s Own spectacular offerings are not limited to finding them in Nederland. “We have a location in Fort Collins and a sister store in Breckenridge. We also have a wholesale business selling to natural history museum shops,” says Readio. They also sell through their website.
Nederland customers are well-served with a range of five to eight employees at the flagship store. Readio – who is not involved with retail – boasts of the “great customer service provided by our superb employees.”
From Young’s perspective, it is probably more important that “for more than 30 years, the business has been able to provide significant support to the Rainforest Action Network, Idea Wild, Turtle Survival Alliance, the Center for Biological Diversity, Wild Earth Guardians, WildAid, Climate Central, Sea Shepherd, Sierra Club, Pacific Environment, Space for Giants and Inside Climate News,” Readio states. “We have a flyer in the store that we give to people who are interested.”
You will find Nature’s Own at 5 East 1st Street, Nederland, or online at https://www.naturesown.com. Their phone is 303-258-3557.
Sponsored by the Town of Nederland, with funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.
