With daylight saving time and the arrival of spring, our natural surroundings evoke a sense of renewal and possibility. This month, our mountain nonprofits offer us the chance to reconnect with neighbors to support causes that promote wellness for wildlife and wellbeing for our community.
Evergreen Audubon Society Nesting Box Sale Set for March 23-24
It is springtime and the birds are busy scavenging for nesting materials. To encour- age birds in your yard and to help them find a safe place to build their nests, you can pur- chase a handcrafted nesting box from the Evergreen Audubon Society. Organization volunteers spent approximately 385 hours assembling materials and making the boxes.
The Audubon volunteers will be selling the boxes March 23-24 from 8 am – 3 pm at both the Evergreen and Conifer King Soopers locations. The bird homes are customized for the size and nesting habits of chickadees, bluebirds, flycatchers, American robins, and flickers. Proceeds will help the Audubon Society cover the cost of construction. Prices range from $10 – $40. To learn more, go to evergreenaudubon.org.
Aspen Park “Eggstravaganza” Returns March 30
Families are invited to the second annual Aspen Park Spring “Eggstravaganza” at the Aspen Park Community Center on Saturday, March 30 from 10 am – Noon. There will be crafts, games, food and prizes for kids of all ages, including a drawing for an Easter basket filled with treats for one lucky adult.
The popular Egg Hunt begins at 11 am for three age groups: 0 to 4-year-olds, 5 to 8-year- olds, and 9-year-olds and older.
Parking will be available in front of the community center at 26215 Sutton Road as well as in the RTD parking lot. The event is free for the community. Proceeds from food sales will go to the Aspen Park Improvement Association to help with the continued improvement and evolution of the Aspen Park Pond trail as well as maintenance of the non- profit community center. For more information, go to the Association’s Facebook page.
Wild Aware Hosts Ongoing Community Engagement Activities
For those who love bears, books and being good stewards of our wilderness, the quarterly Bear Book Club may be a great fit. Hosted by Wild Aware, the Book Club includes discussion of bear-related books, featured speakers, the occasional movie, and a potluck meal. Meetings are in local homes with volunteer hosts.
Wild Aware is hopeful that in addition to bringing together like-minded community members, the Club will serve as a catalyst for better understanding and respect for bears and their behaviors. For more information, go to [email protected] or call 303.578.8668.
The nonprofit also organizes Last Friday Coffee for current and prospective volunteers at the Evergreen Bread and Cocktail Lounge held at 9 am the last Friday of each month. Attendees get to know each other in a casual environment, receive updates on Wild Aware events and volunteer opportunities, and learn more about our local wildlife. For more information, email [email protected] or [email protected].
The mission of Wild Aware is to encourage, support and enhance the healthy, safe and rewarding coexistence of humans and wildlife.
April 14 “Boogie at the Bear” to Benefit Peaceworks, Inc.
A high energy day of music will take place on Sunday, April 14 from 1-8 pm as the Boogie comes to The Little Bear to benefit Peaceworks, Inc. Jon & the Locals, featuring Jon Lundberg, will take to the stage with an entertaining mix of rock, pop and blues followed by a dynamic band from Louisiana, Black Cat Zydeco.
Black Cat Zydeco has toured internationally delighting audiences with a blend of Cajun, blues and R&B influenced arrangements. With a commanding presence, accordion player and lead singer Dwight Carrier, the “Black Cat,” has carried on his family’s musical tradition as well as his Cajun Creole culture. The band has inspired Boogie organizers to present a New Orleans themed event. Attendees are encouraged to wear Mardi Gras-inspired colors and masks as part of the festive atmosphere.
Boogie Benefits is hosting the “Boogie at the Bear” to raise awareness and funds for Peaceworks, Inc., a local nonprofit that provides emergency shelter, advocacy, education, and wellness programs to support survivors of relationship violence. To learn about Peaceworks, go to peaceworksinc.co.
Event tickets are available for $25 in advance, $30 at the door. For tickets and more information, go to boogieatthebarn.com
