Wild Bear Nature Center launches fundraising campaign after Nederland shopping center fire

NEDERLAND, Colo. — As the folks at Wild Bear Nature Center step into their future, they're still processing the unexpected tragedy that forced them to say goodbye to their past.

"There were some irreplaceable items, including some educational materials," said Matthew Celesta, director of development for the nature center. "We had specimens that were certified through the state. And then lastly, we unfortunately lost several of our ambassador animals."

The old location is a complete loss, along with more than a dozen other businesses in downtown Nederland, after a fire tore through the Caribou Village Shopping Center earlier this month.

"While our programs largely happen outside, it's great to have an indoor space for weather or cold hands to eat lunch and things like that. So we lost that space," said Frankie Beard, director of educational operations.

Denver7 has been following the investigation into the fire as well as the impact on businesses. Read our previous coverage below

• Evacuation order lifted for Nederland after fire at Caribou Village Shopping Center
• State leaders gather in Nederland to support business owners, employees impacted by shopping center fire
• ‘No credible evidence’ fire at Nederland strip mall was intentionally set, Boulder deputies say
• Anonymous donor kickstarts relief fund for Wild Bear Nature Center after Caribou Village Shopping Center fire

Aside from Wild Bear being the bridge that connects the community to the great outdoors, the physical space they had before offered a crucial service: licensed child care.

"A lot of folks rely on us to watch their kids while they still work. That is, just a really big need in the community," said Beard.

The organization is working with the State of Colorado to get its child care center up and running as soon as possible.

The organization has launched a fire recovery fund to help. Thanks to an anonymous donor, donations will go even further.

"We got someone who was willing to give us $150,000, but we needed to raise that much to unlock the funds," said Celesta.

All funds donated will go toward the new facility, which is set to open in fall 2026.

"We really are truly rising from the ashes of this tragedy," said Celesta.

Click here to donate to the cause.

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