Bluff Lake Nature Center

“The form 990 will be reviewed by the executive director, the board treasurer, the contract accountant, and the outside auditing firm before being finalized.”

“Governing documents and financial statements are available on coloradogives.org, a public site; and on written request from our agency.”

“During the year, the organization continued a capital campaign to make significant and much-needed improvements to its site, including the probable construction of a signature building. Construction commenced in march of 2025. In 2023, the organization established an investment account for capital campaign donations. At year-end 2024, the donations in the investment account were in cash equivalents. In 2024, expenses for the project were largely funded through various individual donors, foundations, and government grants. During the year, the organization capitalized 458,365, which was comprised of a site survey, geotechnical and soil boring, architectural, and permitting fees. The expenses for the capital campaign were 11,966. The budget for the project is 9 million.”

“Bluff lake nature center educates individuals to be engaged, resilient, and curious; conserves a natural area in the city; furthers equity in outdoor access; and nurtures the health and well-being of communities and ecosystems.”

“During the year, 749 volunteers donated 1,806 hours of service to help the organization deliver its programs. These volunteers helped facilitate field trips for nearly 6,000 local school children and provided site management support through trail restoration, invasive species removal, and more.”

“Bluff lake nature center is free and open to the public 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset. In 2024, over 100,000 visitors came to bluff lake to enjoy a few moments of solace and connection to nature, go for a run, or to enjoy an afternoon exploring with their family. Nearly 6,000 area ece- 12th grade students participated in stem based field trip programs, over 80% of these students from title 1 schools (over 50% free/reduced lunch) and came for free thanks to grant funding and donations. On field trips, students learn about habitats, water quality, and more. In 2024, bluff lake also hosted 10 weeks of summer camp for over 450 campers aged 5-17, providing over 100 full and partial scholarship spots to low-income families. Public programming included monthly family days, after-school programs, special program events such as boo on the bluff, and guided walks (bird walks, mindfulness walks, etc.). Bluff lake also hosts an onsite forest school program for homeschool families that is free for the families, thanks to state funding. Each year bluff lake works with over 700 volunteers (including scouts, corporate groups, families, and other nonprofit organizations) doing site projects and facilitating education programs.”

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