Wild Bear is Boulder County's only nonprofit nature center that is open to the general public year-round. Through both our free nature center and many camps and programs, we provide hands-on nature experiences for people of all ages. Wild Bear was a key partner in the preservation of the 260 acres of Mud Lake Open Space which as now grown to just under 3,000 acres with Caribou Ranch. Wild Bear owns its own 5 acres at the gateway to this preservation and is building a net zero nature center due to open in fall 2024. Wild Bear operates an interim nature center in downtown Nederland which is open 360 days of the year and is free to the general public. Wild Bear runs award winning children’s nature camps, adult and family workshops and group programs (schools, elders, retreats, scouts and more!) all programs bring accessibility to nature and are creative and inspiring to all ages. The new nature center will expand all programs as well as free exploration of interior and exterior hands in exhibits. It will include a nature playscape, interpreted trails, outdoor amphitheater, large indoor community program space, exhibit gallery, observation deck (to view the night sky, spit the hawks or view the peaks where Boulders water comes from). There are nature classrooms and a makers space for the creative visitor. This is an easy access place for all to play, explore and get grounded in wild nature.