Happy New Year from Denver Audubon | | |
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As we look to the new year, let us first extend heartfelt gratitude for the tremendous support received in 2023. Our devoted community is the bedrock of our mission—inspiring actions that protect birds, wildlife, and their habitats through education, research, and conservation. Your continued support is invaluable. If you have yet to donate to our annual winter appeal, consider contributing today to make a lasting impact.
As 2024 unfolds, we eagerly anticipate sharing milestones with you as we unveil changes in staffing, volunteer programs, expanding programing, and new office spaces with you. Here's to a remarkable new year filled with wins and a shared dedication to our beloved Colorado wildlife and habitats!
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In Memoriam: Ann Bonnell -
Guardian of Colorado's Conservation Legacy
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The conservation community mourns the passing of Ann Bonnell, a dedicated advocate for the protection of important birding areas and a long-time board member and beloved member of Denver Audubon for nearly forty years. Ann's journey with Denver Audubon began in 1986 when she took the Kingery’s Beginning Birdwatching class, discovering her "spark birds," the Blue Grosbeak and Lazuli Bunting. This pivotal moment ignited a lifelong passion for conservation, propelling her into action on the South Platte River in the mid-80s. There, she uncovered a metal beaver trap, sparking her first triumph in persuading authorities to abandon lethal traps and adopt more humane measures.
Over the years, Ann's commitment manifested in numerous victories, from preserving the undeveloped south portion of Ken Caryl Ranch to thwarting the Trailmark housing development. Her monumental 15-year battle against the Chatfield Reallocation project showcased her unwavering dedication, leading to a lawsuit filed by Denver Audubon. Though the legal battle ended in a compromise, Ann's efforts resulted in crucial modifications to the plans, safeguarding vital habitat.
Beyond her formal roles, Ann embodied her conservation message in her daily life. At home, she created a haven for birds through bird-friendly plantings and feeders, mirroring the habitat advocacy she championed on a larger scale. Her impact extended beyond boardrooms and courtrooms, responding to last-minute pleas for help with habitat-threatening developments in neighborhoods, truly embodying the spirit of grassroots conservation.
Her expansive contributions reached far beyond Denver Audubon, extending to the broader community. Ann's leadership of the Tuesday Birders since the mid-1980s and her pivotal role in numerous conservation initiatives showcased her as a guiding force, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape she loved.
Ann's journey encapsulates a life lived with passion and purpose. From her early years challenging the status quo to her later years spent tirelessly defending habitats, Ann Bonnell remained a steadfast guardian of nature's harmony. In 2019, the Colorado Field Ornithologists recognized her incomparable contributions with the CFO's Lifetime Achievement Award, a fitting tribute to a woman whose crusading spirit will echo through the annals of conservation for years to come. Though Ann may have left us, her legacy continues to inspire, and her impact on the natural world endures.
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Registration is Open for Spring Naturalist Training | |
9 Week Community Naturalist Training
Fridays, February 16 - April 12, 2024
The Denver Audubon Community Naturalist Training is a one-of-a-kind adult training program highlighting the plants, animals, and ecosystems of the Colorado Front Range. Classes for the 2024 spring season will be held at the Denver Audubon Kingery Nature Center and a variety of offsite field trip locations. Topics include botany, ecology, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and conservation in Colorado.
Join like-minded individuals who share a passion for nature and wildlife while learning about local ecosystems. You’ll delve into identification as well as discuss the challenges our flora and fauna face along with how individuals can contribute to protecting the environment. If you're considering a career related to environmental science, biology, conservation, or education, participating in naturalist classes can be a valuable foundation. This certification may open doors to internships, volunteering opportunities, or further education in related fields.
Classes will take place Fridays, February 16 - April 12 from 9am to 2pm each day. 100% attendance is recommended - makeup classes are NOT possible.
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Interested in taking our Naturalist Training at a future date? Email our Kate Hogan, our Community Outreach Manager to be added to the interest list to receive first access to upcoming Naturalist Trainings. | |
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Habitats for Homeschoolers - Amazing Mammals
Denver Audubon Kingery Nature Center
Wednesday, January 17
10:00am - 12:00pm
Explore Colorado's rich tapestry of mammalian wildlife at this Habitats for Homeschoolers event! From brown bats to black bears, and deer mice to mule deer, join us for an immersive journey into the incredible diversity of our local fauna. Delve into the shared traits that unite these creatures and uncover the unique adaptations that make them extraordinary. Experience hands-on encounters with Chatfield's collection of pelts, paw prints, skulls, and scat, gaining valuable insights into how we can coexist with these admired yet elusive animals. Designed for ages 5 and up, this interactive program offers a blend of education and exploration, providing a deeper understanding of the wonders of our natural world.
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Young Birders Club Outing
Prospect Park
Saturday, January 20
8:00 - 10:00am
Embark on a 90-minute birding adventure at Prospect Park with two of our expert Master Birders from Denver Audubon. Discover the diverse bird life in this beloved residential park while engaging in insightful discussions on year-long versus winter birds, habitat, and effective spotting and identification techniques. The walk covers approximately two miles along paved and gravel trails.
This trip is perfect for kiddos keen on the outdoors, eager to delve into the wonders of nature and birds.
Please note; The Young Birders Club meets once a month to explore the world of birding. The trips are tailored for ages 7-17, and kids under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
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Birding Insights - Owls of Colorado
Denver Audubon Kingery Nature Center
Saturday, January 27
10:00am - 12:00pm
Learn about the behavior, ecology, and identification of owls in this Birding Insights program led by Audubon Master Birder Natalie Vande Vuss. Colorado's owls are some of the state's most captivating wildlife, but their camouflage and nocturnal behavior make them elusive even to the skilled birder. This course combines classroom learning with enriching field experiences during a guided bird walk, and will equip you with the skills to identify, appreciate, and protect these mysterious animals.
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Birding Insights - Mindful Birding
Denver Audubon Kingery Nature Center
Saturday, February 3
10:00am - 12:00pm
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature in this Birding Insights workshop, "Mindful Birding" with Audubon Master Birder Crystal Reser. In this session, we'll slow down, observe, and appreciate the natural world in a calm and meditative manner. Through guided mindfulness practices, attendees will foster a deeper connection with the environment, enhancing both their birding experience and overall well-being. This session will include both an indoor learning experience as well as an outdoor field experience on the trails of the Kingery Nature Center.
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Maine 2024: Acadia Birding Festival + Boreal Species Hotspots
May 28- June 4, 2024
Roger Tory Peterson called Mount Desert Island, the location of Acadia National Park and the Acadia Birding Festival, “The Warbler Capital of the World.” While eastern warblers will be very high on our agenda, there is so much more to see “Downeast!” We start with a tour atop Mt Washington, New Hampshire in search of Bicknell’s Thrush and other boreal specialties before heading toward the coast and the Acadia Birding Festival. The festival’s special pelagic boat trip to see seabirds, including the charismatic Atlantic Puffin, will certainly be a memorable highlight. We’ll also visit woodlands for warblers, crossbills and woodpeckers; salt marshes for waders and sparrows; and rocky coastlines for scoters, eiders, guillemots, and others. Join Denver Audubon and Reefs to Rockies for a fantastic week of birding in the Northeast
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Sponsorship Opportunity for your Business | |
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Share your love of birds with our bird lovers. Denver Audubon is now accepting sponsors for our annual Soaring Soirée Benefit & Auction held in June. Sponsorships helps us further our mission to inspire actions that protect birds, other wildlife, and their habitats through education, research and conservation.
Sponsorship provides your business with increased visibility, demonstrates your business's commitment to the community, helps build a positive image, and establishes connections with local residents.
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Shop, Save, and Support Denver Audubon | | |
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Front Range Birding Company
Denver Audubon and The Front Range Birding Company continue to partner to make backyard bird feeding easy and affordable. Remember FRBC donates 3% of birdseed sales from their Littleton store to Denver Audubon. You can also order online (at the checkout cart, click our logo on the left to support us.)
Free Bird Field Trips each month. Call for details and to register: 303-979-2473
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