Sara Van Valkenburgh, Nederland. For the last 24 years, Wild Bear Nature Center has been committed to expanding and encouraging people’s awareness and knowledge of the plants and animals living around them, although finding a permanent home to carry out this mission has been challenging.

Wild Bear has been keeping the dream alive by operating out of a commercial space at Caribou Shopping Center, which has served 27,668 visitors as well as 7,254 program participants over the course of the last year.

Having previously secured a building site on a 3,200 acre preserve for their new Nature Center, they were shocked when a 25-foot deep sinkhole developed, making the land unbuildable. Luckily, however, due to the hard work and diligence of Wild Bear’s committee, board, staff and donors, they are pleased to announce that a land trade has been achieved and they are now the proud owners of a 5-acre parcel on the corner of Indian Peaks Drive and Highway 72 which will become the new, permanent home of Wild Bear Nature Center.

After years of dedicated effort, Executive Director Jill Dreves had this to say about the new acquisition: “After all of these years, we’ve really continued to keep our eyes on the ball. That is, it is critical today that people learn to love and understand their backyard. While we have been very fortunate to operate out of our current rented commercial space, it is time to create Wild Bear’s permanent home, in nature where Wild Bear can achieve its mission in whole. Now is the time to roll up our sleeves and do the work that it takes to get all of us back into nature, where people can walk outside the door and engage in a hands-on field experience and contemplate the beauty of this magnificent planet.”

Donors, such as Diane Israel, are passionate about Wild Bear’s vision as well. She says, “I just want to see this legacy become permanent. Look honestly at all of the pollution we have here in Boulder. I am passionate and committed to being part of the solution, encouraging all of us to slow down and play in nature, and doing all that we can to protect it.”

Diane Israel is doing just that. She has pledged a $10,000 challenge donation and is asking for the community to do the same, on any level they can afford. “Let’s exceed this goal! Let’s begin planning the most amazing nature center on this beautiful land for visitors as well as locals. Now is the time. We have an opportunity now to create a permanent legacy for generations to come.”

If you’d like to get involved or have questions, check out Wild Bear’s website at www.wildbear.org.

(Originally published in the April 11, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)