BLNC Launches Public Phase of Capital Campaign for Major Campus Improvements Project
Beloved 100+ Acre Wildlife Refuge and Campus will Transform to Better Serve the Needs of Community as Visitor Numbers Increase by 46.7% since 2019
DENVER, CO - It is with great excitement that the Bluff Lake Nature Center Board of Directors, Capital Campaign Committee, and staff announce the launch of the public phase of a capital campaign to raise funds for a major campus improvements project.
Located in the heart of a rapidly developing urban area in Northeast Denver (11255 E. MLK Jr Blvd, Denver, CO 80238), Bluff Lake Nature Center (BLNC) is a 123-acre wildlife refuge within a few miles of thousands of families in the nearby neighborhoods of Central Park, Montbello, Northwest Aurora, Park Hill, and Commerce City. With the growth of the neighborhoods around the site, general visitation and the education programs at BLNC have grown significantly, with annual visitors increasing by 46.7% since 2019. Each summer, BLNC also hosts 400+ summer campers, though pre-improvement facility limitations mean that 600+ remain on the waitlist. A true sanctuary for wildlife, documented bird species have also risen from 186 to 230 in recent years.
Visual 3D Render of Proposed Welcome Building
Set to transform BLNC and meet the needs of its expanding community of local residents and families, schools, birders, joggers, and wildlife enthusiasts, this project will install a net zero building to house a welcome center, classrooms, offices, and a community space; power and running water; and additional site improvements, including an accessible ramp leading into the site. Currently the site has no utility hookups, very little infrastructure, accessibility limitations, and the team (which has doubled in size to meet demand) works out of an office several miles away.
“We believe that in order to sustainably manage the site, protect and enhance vital habitat along the Sand Creek Greenway, and continue providing outdoor experiences in the city, we need to undertake major campus improvements. This project will focus on making nature more accessible to our diverse neighbors and protecting our site from being loved to death.”
Bluff Lake has partnered with the design team of Shape Architecture and Superbloom Landscape Architecture & Planning to create a sustainable future for the nonprofit organization and site. Cumming Group was engaged to be the owner’s representative and project manager.
Shape, Superbloom, and Bluff Lake’s shared philosophy of contextual, ecologically-inspired design, proven experience and commitment to crafting meaningful connections between people and the land make the ideal team to bring this inspiring vision to life.
The Bluff Lake area is home to many types of ecosystems. This drawing shows how cliffs and habitats were formed by the movement of water, wind, and soil.
“Collaborating with the Bluff Lake Nature Center team to make their vision of a net-zero building a reality has been an absolute dream project. Their educational mission and commitment to environmental justice, equity, and minimizing ecological impact aligns so perfectly with our own values that every meeting and step of the process is meaningful, fulfilling and a true pleasure.”
“The new Bluff Lake Nature Center campus is an exciting opportunity to expand equitable access to nature in Denver while modeling best practices in ecological and resilient design. Designed in harmony with the unique prairie bluff landscape, the ‘nature center’ includes the new building as well as the surrounding 123-acres of rich and varied ecosystems. Informed heavily by community input and the dedicated work of the Bluff Lake staff, we have helped imagine this as an educational ecosystem that responds to our changing climate and tells the story of this magical environment. We hope that this project will further inspire people of all walks of life to fall madly in love with nature!”
Visual 3D Render
The BLNC Capital Campaign Committee includes entrepreneurs, community members, and nonprofit leaders. The committee is led by co-chairs David Smith and Tania Zeigler.
“Bluff Lake Nature Center resonates to our family because it delivers very meaningful wins for nature conservation; environmental education; fostering community in surrounding neighborhoods; human wellness with over 85,000 visitors coming to jog, walk, bird watch, find peace; and social justice, with this being an access point for so many who don’t have access to natural spaces. But it also resonates because, as a lifelong entrepreneur, I am always alert to whether an organization with a very worthy mission has unusually robust building blocks - building blocks that, should they be wisely used, will allow the organization to not only be sustainable, but to flourish.”
Visual 3D Render
“My hope is that Bluff Lake will become a point of pride and a vibrant and integral part of everyday life for families in our neighborhood and surrounding communities. I want Bluff Lake to be a safe and healthy place of connection, to one another and to the wonders of the natural world. This means on-site classrooms, improved security and access, public restrooms, and the ability to invest in ongoing improvements.
“I think a lot of people may think that Bluff Lake Nature Center is a public park that receives public funding. I myself was surprised to learn several years ago that it is actually a private non-profit dedicated to conserving a precious piece of land in the city and to furthering equity, health and well-being in our community. Wow! That is a big and important mission! And it takes funding and community engagement to keep it going and make it the best community resource possible.”
Both David and Tania’s families have committed significant gifts to this campaign, which, along with their time and talents, have cemented their place as Keystone Families for this project. Bluff Lake defines Keystone Families as families who have brought a unique combination of assets to this project, including:
Significant Financial Support (six-figure gifts)
Advocacy & Connections
Mentorship & Guidance
Bluff Lake History
Multi-generational support for Bluff Lake and philanthropy
In addition to the Smith/Dobos Family and the Ho/Zeigler Family, other Keystone Families include the Barker Family (Scot and Karen Barker), the Valore-Caplan family (Ben and Amie Valore-Caplan), the Freyer-Walker family (John and Ginny Freyer, Christina Freyer Walker, and John Freyer, Jr.), the Norris family (Steve and Jackie Norris), and the Konrad Family (Peter and Terri Konrad). Funders committed to this project thus far include: The City and County of Denver’s Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency, the Harvey Family Foundation, Colorado Health Foundation, LARRK Foundation, Gates Family Foundation, Morgridge Family Foundation, Boettcher Foundation, Harold and Susan Skramstad, Kent Erickson and Barbara Krichbaum.
The project will break ground in late summer 2024, with plans to complete the first phase, including the new building, parking lot, and upper level accessibility improvements, in fall 2025.
To learn more and donate, please visit the Campus Improvements Project webpage or click the button below!
