Bluff Lake Explorers Campaign Page

Our Forest School kids and Outdoors Explorers (affectionately nicknamed "Bluff Lake Explorers") have a special relationship with Bluff Lake. They are the only kids who take part in programming at Bluff Lake year round, and they know the site better than anyone. 

They have also endured a lack of facilities on site, including no running water, no indoor building to shelter, and portapotties! 

While we will be ensuring that OEP and Forest School experiences are always outdoors and nature-focused, we recognize the importance of improvements that need to be made to the site to ensure our educational programming and natural areas are sustained for years to come.

Our goal is to have 50 Outdoor Explorers/Forest School families (past and present) join this campaign - at any amount! $25, $100, $1,000!

We hope that you will join us in supporting the Campus Improvements Project!

Currently the site has no utility hookups, very little infrastructure, accessibility concerns, and the team works out of an office several miles away. This project would provide 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 down into the site.

Here are a few things we are excited about...

1. Improved drop-off/pick-up: Drop-off and pick-up will be safer and smoother, with a dedicated drop-off zone that is not directly adjacent to the area where kids are congregating.
2. On-site Staff: All Bluff Lake staff will be located onsite (in our new staff HQ!), meaning we have more substitutes and extra hands, as well as better access to supplies. 
3. Better Shelter: There will be indoor spaces and shaded outdoor spaces available for severe weather events such as hail, rain, and extreme heat. Which means fewer cancellations!
4. Running Water On-site: We will have running water onsite, meaning we can better ensure campers are staying hydrated (without our team having to bring in water from off site!) and have better bathroom facilities.
5. Licensing: Bluff Lake will have a much easier time getting our annual childcare license! Freeing up significant staff time to facilitate more programs and make programs even better!
6. Improved Accessibility: A new universally accessible trail going from the upper level to lower level, plus major changes around the entrance, parking lot, and new building, means we will be able to give more children access to nature.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROJECT

Did you know that Bluff Lake donors in Colorado can take advantage of the 50% Childcare Tax Credit of up to $100,000 per year, in addition to other state and federal charitable contribution credits? We invite you to visit the campaign page for more information, including other ways to give and tax credit information.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are making a gift of over $1,000, we ask that you consider sending a check to avoid the cost of high fees that would either be covered by the donor or Bluff Lake Nature Center. Checks can be mailed to:

Bluff Lake Nature Center

4760 Oakland St., Suite 200

Denver, CO 80239

Please add "BLNC Explorers" and "Capital Campaign" in the memo line.

Want to make a commitment for a future or multi-year gift? Make your pledge HERE to be counted towards this goal. 

For all campaign and donation questions, please reach out to Development Director, Leila Regan-Porter at leila@blufflake.org.