ABOUT US
Committed to Denver's Wildlife:
Join Us in Making a Difference!
Birds are essential to our ecosystems—and conserving them protects the balance of nature and the health of our communities.
Since 1969, Denver Audubon has been rooted in a love of birds, wildlife, and the natural spaces that surround us. Over the decades, we've evolved to meet the changing needs of our region, but one thing has remained constant: our deep commitment to inspiring action and protecting what matters—right here in the Denver metro area.
As an independent chapter of the National Audubon Society, we shape our own mission, focus our resources on local conservation, and listen closely to our community. While national affiliation connects us to a larger movement, it’s our local impact that drives everything we do—from neighborhood bird walks to habitat restoration, from community science to environmental education.
Together, we’re building a healthier, more resilient future for birds—and for all of us who share their home.
Our Mission
Inspiring actions that protect birds, other wildlife, and their habitats through education, conservation, and research.
Our Vision
To transform Denver into the most bird-friendly city in the United States.
To accomplish both our mission and vision, we educate so that people may better advocate for birds and nature, we develop conservation strategies so that our community may better protect our environment, and we support research of Colorado wildlife so that scientists may better understand the effects of human activity.
What We Do
We do far more than what's listed here. Explore our website for further details, but from a bird’s eye view, we:
Offer field trips, workshops, and educational programs for kids and adults.
Certify master birders and naturalists who we hope will spread their knowledge.
Support research initiatives such as the Colorado Bluebird Project, the Lois Webster Fund, and Bird Banding.
Teach school programs to students of all grade levels.
Provide advice and guidance to Denver-area residents and advocacy groups on legislation that impacts the local environment.
Help people experience the joy of birds!
Who We Are
Our volunteers, donors, members, board, and staff come from all walks of life. Some of us are hardcore birders, but many of us are not. The thing we have in common is a love of nature and respect for community and diversity. ALL are welcome at Denver Audubon.
Area We Serve
Denver Audubon’s family and friends extend across six counties: Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson. We offer programs and events throughout the metro area.
Our History
In 1968, Lois Webster and Elaine Appel, both members of the Denver Field Ornithologists (DFO), suggested establishing a chapter of the National Audubon Society (NAS). However, the DFO voted against this affiliation. Subsequently, a splinter group emerged to pursue the Audubon connection. This group convened for its inaugural official meeting, where Dr. David Johnson was elected as President.
If you're interested in discovering more about our origins and the journey that shaped us into who we are today, we invite you to explore our history.
Our Team
Denver Audubon Staff
Board of Directors
Curt Frankenfeld
President
Director,
Access Strategy & Development at CenturyLink – retired
Don Hall
Vice President
Healthcare Consultant & Podcaster, Delta Sigma
Elvira Kozhevnikova
Secretary
Attorney
Shelley Conger
Interim Treasurer
Real Estate
Dale Campau
Former PhD Chemist
Dina Baker
Arapahoe County Extension Director, Colorado State University Extension
Pilar Hoyos
Retired
Carol DeStefanis
Cynthia Kristensen
Bill Lavarnway
Sheridan Samano
Martha Eubanks
Committee & Project Chairs
Diane Hutton
Audubon Master Birder
Susan Sass
Children’s Hospital
Polly Reetz
Conservation
Allen Stokes
Lois Webster Fund
Annual Report
Each year, Denver Audubon inspires actions that protect birds, other wildlife, and their habitats.
View or download our latest annual report.
Job & Internship Opportunities
Interested in joining our team? Below are the intern and staff positions that are currently open. If you don’t see a position that’s a match, please check back again as we’ll update this when new opportunities arise.
Summer Camp Counselor
Start Date: Paid staff training June 9-12
Camp Season:
June 15-August 7. No camp week of July 4.
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm
Location: Denver Audubon Kingery Nature Center in Chatfield State Park
Salary: $20/hour
About Denver Audubon
Denver Audubon is a conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire actions that protect birds, other wildlife, and their habitats through education, conservation, and research. We connect people to nature in the metro Denver community.
Position Summary
Do you LOVE being outside, working with children, and exploring the natural world? We are looking for high energy and compassionate educators to join us as we connect kids with nature. The seasonal Summer Camp Counselor will teach camp activities and games centered around outdoor exploration, local wildlife, and environmental education.
Responsibilities
- Supervise and lead a group of campers in daily nature-based activities
- Facilitate outdoor lessons, hikes, games, arts and crafts, and environmental projects
- Assist in planning and organizing camp programming
- Ensure the physical and emotional safety and well-being of all campers
- Model and encourage positive group behavior and teamwork
- Communicate effectively with camp staff, campers, and parents
- Respond to emergency situations and follow camp safety procedures
- Participate in staff meetings and training sessions
Qualifications
- Preferred: Three (3) months of verified experience in the care and supervision of school-age children (i.e. summer camp, before and after school)
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
- Passion for environmental education and connecting people with nature.
- Ability to perform manual duties associated with the programs and facility.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. English fluency required.
- Must pass a background check.
- Minimum age 19.
Working Conditions and Requirements
- Staff are expected to work and facilitate programs outdoors in all weather.
- At times strenuous outdoor work includes hiking, carrying, kneeling, scooping.
- May lift up to 40+ lbs. at times.
- Must be able to navigate trails with uneven terrain and present programs (which may involve periods of standing, crouching, bending, etc.) for up to 4 hours at a time; accommodation needs may be discussed on an individual basis.
Denver Audubon is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants based on age 40 and over, race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and length, protective hairstyles), sex, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law.
To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter via email to
leo@denveraudubon.org. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
