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.

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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.

Explore Our History (PDF)

Our Team

Denver Audubon Staff

Nicole Bopp

Executive Director

Lara Cueni

Senior Manager of Engagement

Dori Edwards

Communications
Manager

Kieran Fish

Youth Environmental Educator

Gracie Green

Office Administrator

Audrey Hicks

Senior Manager of Conservation & Research

Jess Korgen

Environmental Educator (Americorps)

Jane Lee

Volunteer Coordinator

Kristen Peterka

Director of Education

Caroline Pettit

Environmental Education Coordinator

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


Kevin Corwin

Colorado Bluebird Project


Polly Reetz

Conservation


Deb Bogar

Field Trips


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.

2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT

View Report

2021-2022 ANNUAL REPORT

View Report

2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT

View Report

Volunteer & Job Opportunities

Interested in joining our team? Below are the volunteer, 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.

Environmental Education Coordinator - Youth Programs


Job Title:  Environmental Education Coordinator 

Full-time/Non-Exempt:  40 hours/week 

Location: Hybrid (Denver Audubon Office, Kingery Nature Center, community organizations, schools, partially remote) 

Reports To:  Director of Education

 

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. Denver Audubon conducts formal and informal programs in schools, local parks, libraries, and in partnership with other organizations. 

 

Position Summary 

Denver Audubon is seeking cheerful and adaptable applicants for an exciting and rewarding Environmental Education Coordinator position. This position is a combination of behind-the-scenes program coordination and direct instruction to groups, with approximately 60% of the time spent in programs, and 40% of the position time spent in planning and coordination, depending on the season. Our staff enjoy teaching both in the community and at our nature center, surrounded by trails, ponds, and meadows, with a team of passionate and dedicated individuals. 

 

The Environmental Education Coordinator is responsible for developing, teaching, and coordinating environmental education programs for various audiences, including community groups, adults, schools, and organizations, with a focus on school programs, summer camps, homeschool programming, and family programs. This role involves planning, scheduling, and implementing engaging educational initiatives focused on environmental science, conservation, and nature exploration with an emphasis on birds. The coordinator will also manage program logistics, foster partnerships, and ensure programs align with the organization's mission to promote environmental stewardship. 

 

Essential Functions 

The essential functions listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed; the omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to be completed by the position. 

 

  • Program Development & Instruction: Design, develop, and deliver interactive, engaging environmental education programs for diverse audiences, with a primary focus on school programs, summer camps, homeschool programs, and family programs. Create and adapt educational materials and curricula, ensuring content is relevant, age-appropriate, and aligned with environmental education best practices and Denver Audubon’s mission and strategic goals. 
  • Scheduling & Coordination: Coordinate program scheduling, volunteer management, and registrations for youth programming including school programs, summer camps, and family programs. Ensure all materials and resources are prepared for each session. Maintain clear, organized scheduling systems that support efficiency and accessibility for participants and staff. 
  • Develop New Programs: Research and create new educational programs and outreach strategies to engage underrepresented and diverse communities. Tailor content and delivery methods to meet the unique needs of different groups. 
  • Partnerships & Outreach: Build and maintain relationships with local schools, nonprofits, government agencies, and other stakeholders to promote environmental programs and increase participation. 
  • Assessment & Reporting: Monitor program effectiveness through participant feedback and assessments. Track attendance and gather data on program successes and areas for improvement. 
  • Resource Management: Maintain inventory of educational materials. Ensure resources are effectively managed to support program sustainability and accessibility. 
  • Communication: Provide professional written and verbal communication to all program participants, staff, and community members in a timely manner. 
  • Animal Care: Provide care for the animal ambassadors at the nature center, ensuring their health and well-being. Maintain clean, safe, and enriching habitats in accordance with established standards. 

 

Supervisory Responsibilities 

Frequently oversee the work of 1-3 volunteers during programs to ensure the smooth execution of educational activities and positive experience for the participants, volunteers, and the organization. 

 

Other Duties 

Attend/facilitate other programs as needed and perform other duties as necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the position and further the mission and sustainability of Denver Audubon. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Essential and marginal job duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

 

Materials and Equipment Used Directly 

 

  • Uses interpretive equipment, books, internet, and other resource materials in planning and conducting programs. Uses a variety of office AV equipment including Windows-based computers, screens, and digital projectors. 
  • Uses aquatic nets, dry-land nets, binoculars, magnifiers. 
  • Must have a working vehicle for transport to and from the Kingery Nature Center, schools, and locations throughout Denver Metro Area. Mileage reimbursement will be provided. 

 

Required Job Qualifications 

  • Minimum one year of experience with program coordination. 
  • Minimum one year of experience in environmental education and teaching. 
  • Minimum high school diploma or GED required. 
  • Demonstrated experience in public speaking or public demonstrations. 
  • Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to multitask and prioritize. 
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage diverse audiences. 
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Suite. 
  • Initiative to recognize, recommend, and manage projects or programs that meet the Nature Center’s mission.  
  • Ability to perform manual duties associated with the programs and facility including arranging tables, chairs, and equipment, leading outdoor activities, etc. with reasonable accommodations. 
  • First AID/CPR Certification or willingness to be certified. 
  • Must be able to work flexible hours as assigned, which will include occasional evening or weekend programs.   
  • Passion and excitement for connecting people with nature. 
  • Must have the ability to communicate fluently in English, both orally and in writing. 
  • Must pass a background check. 
  • Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado driver’s license in good standing. 

 

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Classroom management skills and experience teaching groups of 20+ children and/or adults. 
  • Associate degree or bachelor’s degree. 
  • Knowledge of Colorado’s ecosystems, flora, and fauna. 
  • Proficiency with educational technology. Willingness to learn and utilize new technologies. 
  • Three (3) months of verified experience in the care and supervision of school-age children (i.e. summer camp, before and after school) for summer camp licensing. 

 

Environmental Conditions and Requirements 

  1. Extensive public contact including individuals, small groups, and large groups. 
  2. Multiple tasks with differing priorities and objectives, including frequent interruptions. 
  3. Extensive outdoor work in potentially adverse weather conditions: rain, snow, sleet, intense heat, high winds, wading in a pond or river for up to 6 hours at a time. 
  4. At times strenuous outdoor work includes hiking, walking, carrying, kneeling, scooping, and lifting. 
  5. May lift to 40+ lbs. at times. 
  6. Must be able to stand on feet for up to 6 hours at a time. 
  7. Successful applicants will be responsible for the safety and behavior management of all participants, volunteers, and chaperones and will be expected to adhere to ethics required of positions of trust. 

 

Denver Audubon is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunities. 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. 

 

Salary: $21-$24/hour. Full-time non-exempt, 40 hours per week. 

 

Benefits: Monthly accrued paid vacation and paid sick leave. Nine paid holidays and five floating holidays in the months of December and January, employer-sponsored medical coverage, heath savings account, comprehensive employee assistance program, 403(b) retirement plan with employer match. 

 

Application Instructions: 

Please submit a resume and cover letter to kristen@denveraudubon.org. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until Aug. 8. The position start date is Sept. 2, 2025.