Nederland’s Wild Bear Nature Center on loss of animals and boost of community support

Aftermath of the Lakeview Fire that destroyed 20 Nederland businesses on October 9, 2025. GoFundMe

In KGNU’s continued coverage of the fire in Nederland that destroyed 20 businesses on October 9th, we spoke with the Wild Bear Nature Center. Jill Dreves is the founder and Chief Vision Officer of the organization. Their interim nature center, while a new one is being constructed, was one of the sites that was destroyed in the Lakeview fire a few weeks ago. Dreves describes the nature center as a key part of the Nederland identity for the past 30 years, and an anchoring point for children and adults to learn about local trails and wildlife. Abby O’Brien spoke to Dreves about what was lost in the fire, including the animals that were living at the nature center.

Listen to the story:

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    Nederland’s Wild Bear Nature Center on loss of animals and boost of community support Abby O'Brien

 

 

Children during Wild Bear Nature Center programming. Jill Dreves/Wild Bear

 

Children during Wild Bear Nature Center programming. Jill Dreves/Wild Bear

 

Wild Bear Nature Center’s future location, which broke ground in 2023. Jill Dreves/Wild Bear

 

The Lakeview Fire, which destroyed 20 Nederland businesses on October 9, 2025. GoFundMe

 

The Lakeview Fire, October 9, 2025. GoFundMe

 

Firefighters at the Lakeview Fire, October 9, 2025. GoFundMe

 

Aftermath of the Lakeview Fire that destroyed 20 Nederland businesses on October 9, 2025. GoFundMe

 

Verified fundraisers for destroyed businesses mentioned in the story:

Wild Bear’s Fire Relief Fund with $150K Match

Aid Nederland Shops and Employees Post-Fire

Mountain Man Outdoor Store Fire Relief

Support Kay O’Neil After Devastating Fire

Augustina’s Winery

Kaleidoscope – Nederland Art Studios – Roz and Danielle

THE SHOP, Claudia Schauffler

Help Brightwood Music After Fire

From Ashes to Hope: Restoring Beauty and Dreams in Nederland

Help Spinning Silica & the Rashbaums Recover from the Fire

Support Very Nice as they sort out next steps

Reopening the Nederland Health Center

Help Feed Nederland: Free Kitchen for Fire Victims

This story aired on the Morning Magazine, KGNU’s weekday morning show with coverage of local and regional public affairs and news. Click here to listen to other episodes of the Morning Magazine.

 

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