Wild Bear Nature Center

Wild Bear Nature Center Wild Bear Nature Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation and is the only all ages nature center in Boulder County.

Wild Bear is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation with a mission to inspire a lifelong connection to nature and community through creative exploration of the outdoors. Since 1995, Wild Bear has engaged hundreds of thousands of people with nature through the open and free nature center as well as hands-on programs for all ages. Wild Bear was a key partner in the preservation of Mud Lake Open Space (now

thousands of acres preserved) and removed over 30 tons of trash from the land making it one of the healthiest wetland habitats in Boulder County. In 2010, Wild Bear opened the interim nature center in downtown Nederland and now is working toward building a permanent nature center near the Town of Nederland, the headwaters of the region's watershed.

While most Rocky Mountain Irises are bluish violet, every once in a while they are white! Have you ever seen a unicorn?
06/01/2026

While most Rocky Mountain Irises are bluish violet, every once in a while they are white! Have you ever seen a unicorn?

Nederland may be cooler than Boulder, but it still gets hot, so let’s visit some water to stay cooooool! What is a water...
06/01/2026

Nederland may be cooler than Boulder, but it still gets hot, so let’s visit some water to stay cooooool!

What is a watershed? What is the purpose of a dam or reservoir? Where does all this water come from? How can we protect and steward our water resources? Water studies and hands-on exploration are great ways for kids to learn about how plants, animals, and humans all rely on Colorado’s watersheds, showcasing the vital importance of water in a given ecosystem.

Come join us this summer to stay cool and explore the many creeks and lakes we have in and around Nederland! Register today at the link in our bio!

05/29/2026

That’s a wrap on training week! Moonbug, Moose, Ladybug, Shrimp, Salamander, Dart Frog, Pinedrop, Bumblebee, Honeysuckle & Pintail can’t wait to see you!
Camp starts MONDAY! See you soon! Registration is ongoing, check the link below!

(pssst…. wondering who or what all those silly names are?! Come to camp and choose your nature name!!)

05/28/2026

It's THROWBACK THURSDAY! And this week we're throwing back to staff trainings of summer's past! Here we're playing Bear, Salmon, Mosquito (what's the name of the game?) which exhibits how a food chain is more like a food web. Our 2026 summer camp staff arrived over the weekend and they have been learning the Wild Bear way all week to get ready for our campers! Follow along in our stories this week to see what staff training looks like!
Summer staff alum: drop your favorite Wild Bear memories in the comments below 👇👇👇

Are we playing Hug-a-Tree or Kiss-a-Tree?? Why not both?! 🌲💚Colorado has over 70 native and non-native tree species in t...
05/27/2026

Are we playing Hug-a-Tree or Kiss-a-Tree?? Why not both?! 🌲💚

Colorado has over 70 native and non-native tree species in the Rocky Mountain region. Whether you're hugging a Quaking Aspen or smelling the sweet bark of a Ponderosa Pine, learning about the trees around us encourages us to connect deeper with the world around us.

This summer, your kids will not just learn the differences between conifers and deciduous trees, but also how these trees survive and thrive in our montane ecosystem, and how we can apply those lessons in our own lives! Register at the link in our bio and turn your campers into tree huggers over night!

People used to live here?! 🧐🏠Nederland and neighboring towns have a rich history connected to Colorado's mining industry...
05/24/2026

People used to live here?! 🧐🏠

Nederland and neighboring towns have a rich history connected to Colorado's mining industry in the 1800s. Seeing these preserved ruins encourages kids to be curious about Colorado's history and how towns like Nederland have developed into what they are today!

Whether they're pretending to be old mountain people or archaeologists exploring the ruins, Wild Bear campers become familiar with local history while learning about important elements like silver and tungsten!

At Wild Bear Nature Camp, we center the combination of exploration, science, and history to provide well-rounded and engaging experiences for our camp kids! Register at the link in our bio ✨💚

Bird of the day on our morning walk. Common Merganser; These are large, long-bodied ducks with thin, pointed wings. Thei...
05/23/2026

Bird of the day on our morning walk. Common Merganser; These are large, long-bodied ducks with thin, pointed wings. Their bills are straight and narrow, unlike the wide, flat bill of a “typical” duck. Females have shaggy crests on the backs of their heads. Also seen; Mallard, Red-tailed Hawk, Rock Dove, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Cliff, Barn, Violet-green and Tree Swallows, American Crow, Common Raven, Belted Kingfisher, American Robin, Grey Catbird, European Starling, Yellow Warbler, Song, House, Lincoln's and White-throated Sparrows, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, and 6 American Pipits!

Come join us at Chipeta Park, June 6th and June 13th at 7:30 am. Binoculars provided if necessary.

Last Saturday was a hoot at World Migratory Bird Day at Walden Ponds. Join us this Saturday morning for a birding walk...
05/21/2026


Last Saturday was a hoot at World Migratory Bird Day at Walden Ponds.
Join us this Saturday morning for a birding walk that starts at Chipeta Park at 7:30am.

Have you ever been curious about the grasses, trees, and herbs that grow in our shared backyard? Have you wondered what ...
05/21/2026

Have you ever been curious about the grasses, trees, and herbs that grow in our shared backyard? Have you wondered what is safe to eat or what could help stop your knee from bleeding when you trip in the woods? As an herbalist, author, professor, and nutritional consultant, Brigitte Mars brings more than 60 years of experience to this program. Her passion for natural health is contagious, and she's excited to help you navigate the world of wellness.
Join us on June 20 or July 26 to learn from her wisdom. Registration required, sign up today!

05/20/2026

Take a walk with Pinedrop and register your kiddos for summer camp soon!
Snow may or may not be included.
Hummingbirds- definitely included.

Address

PO Box 3017
Nederland, CO
80466

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Website

https://wild-bear-nature-center-community-guidelines.tiiny.site/

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