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
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.
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.
2-week contract Camp Counselor Position
Job Title: Summer Camp Counselor – 2-week contract position
July 21-25 and July 28 – Aug. 1. Monday – Friday, 8am-4pm. 1 day paid staff training week of July 7-11.
Location: Denver Audubon Kingery Nature Center in Chatfield State Park
About Nature Camp
We connect kids with nature! We play in the river, explore the forests, scoop in the pond, and play games. Our camp has 15 campers and two teachers so that we can create meaningful connections.
Position Summary
- Supervise and lead a group of campers in daily nature-based activities
- Facilitate outdoor education lessons, hikes, games, arts and crafts, and environmental projects
- Ensure the physical and emotional safety and well-being of all campers
- Model and encourage positive group behavior and teamwork
- Assist in planning and organizing camp programming
- Communicate effectively with camp staff, campers, and parents
- Respond to emergency situations and follow camp safety procedures
- Promote Leave No Trace principles and environmental stewardship
Qualifications:
- Experience supervising groups of 4 or more children.
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
- Passion for environmental education and connecting people with birds and nature.
- Ability to perform manual duties associated with the programs and facility including arranging tables, chairs, and equipment, leading outdoor activities, etc. with reasonable accommodations.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Must have the ability to communicate fluently in English.
- Must pass a background check.
Environmental Conditions and Requirements
- Staff are expected to work and facilitate programs outdoors in all weather
- At times strenuous outdoor work includes hiking, walking, carrying, kneeling, scooping, and lifting.
- May lift to 40+ lbs. at times.
- Must be able to stand on feet for up to 4 hours at a time.
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.
Contract Salary: Contract position pays $1760 for two weeks of camp and 1 day oftraining (88 hours total, averages $20/hour)
Application Instructions: Send a resume to kristen@denveraudubon.org. Cover letter optional. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
AmeriCorps Environmental Educator at Denver Audubon
2025-26 Environmental Education Corps
Denver Audubon Position Description
Environmental Educator
Program Overview: Led by the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (CAEE), the Environmental Education Corps (eeCorps) AmeriCorps Program places AmeriCorps members at organizations throughout Colorado to focus on increasing environmental literacy for PreK-12 students and implementing the goals outlined in the Colorado Environmental Education Plan. eeCorps works directly with teachers, schools, and environmental education providers to support them in expanding reach and increasing impact of EE programming, while providing access to equitable learning experiences for all PreK-12 students. AmeriCorps members serving with the eeCorps provide direct service to improve outcomes in Environmental Stewardship and Education. AmeriCorps provides opportunities to improve lives and foster civic engagement all across the country.
Service Site Overview: This position will be located at Denver Audubon in Littleton, CO. Denver Audubon inspires actions that protect birds, other wildlife, and their habitats through education, conservation, and research. We connect people to nature with programs in schools, local parks, libraries, and at our Nature Center.
Service Position Summary: The Environmental Educator will teach science, environmental education, and conservation to students in grades K-12 both in classrooms and our Nature Center. They will collaborate with the education team to develop and enhance curriculum, program marketing, and evaluation. They will facilitate programs including bird banding, owl programs, nature hikes, and pond explorations.
Essential Functions (Primary Responsibilities):
eeCorps members engage with their Host Site organizations to develop, implement, and enhance programs, projects, and activities that will create progress towards eeCorps’ and Denver Audubon’s goals. These duties include:
- Instruct hands-on science, environmental education, and conservation classes for school groups, youth programs, and community programs
- Collaborate with the education team to develop, enhance, and implement curricula, marketing, and educational materials
- Teach four to five days per week during the spring and fall bird banding seasons
- Support year-long school programs including high school service-learning projects
- Teach week-long summer camps for elementary students focused on wildlife, watersheds, birds, and nature
- Develop and teach winter and spring break camp programs for elementary students
- Encourage stewardship through enthusiasm, knowledge, and passion for birds, other wildlife, and habitats
- Track progress and collect evaluation data for the program’s performance measures
- Attend all required eeCorps/AmeriCorps orientations, meetings, and trainings
- Complete and submit all necessary eeCorps paperwork and reports by predetermined deadlines
- Some local travel required and occasional statewide travel possible
Marginal Functions (Secondary Responsibilities):
• Support large public events hosted by Denver Audubon
• Foster a positive and inclusive learning environment that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and environmental stewardship
• Inspire connections to nature and the outdoors in young people
Physical, Emotional, and Intellectual Demands:
• Extensive public contact including individuals, small groups, and large groups.
• Multiple service settings may exist (inside offices or buildings, outdoors on trails, in classrooms)
• Extensive outdoor service (up to 8 hours at a time) in possibly adverse weather conditions including rain, snow, heat, and high winds.
• At times strenuous outdoor service includes hiking, walking, carrying, and kneeling
• 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
• Occasional weekend and evening work may be required, including unlit night-time activities
Qualifications:
- Passionate commitment to youth development and environmental / conservation / science education
- Experience or strong interest in teaching in informal settings such as nature centers and camps
- Preferred: Three (3) months of verified experience in the care and supervision of school-age children (i.e. summer camp, before and after school)
- Commitment to continuous growth
- Team player: fun, outgoing, passionate, organized, creative, resourceful, critical thinker, results-oriented, and self-motivated
- Passionate about Denver Audubon's mission
- Ethic of national and community service and a strong desire to create positive change
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; computer literate
- High school diploma or GED required
- Ability to pass criminal history checks required
- Reliable transportation and proof of auto insurance required
- U.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent resident status required
Term of Service: This is a full-time national and community service position requiring a minimum of 1,700 hours during the year (approximately 35-40 hours/week). The position begins 9/2/25 and ends 8/15/26. Flexible hours are required, including occasional evening and weekend commitments.
Training and Support Provided: eeCorps members receive significant training and experience in community engagement, project implementation, leadership, diverse populations, and more. Up to 20% of total hours served may be spent in applicable approved training and professional development. Members will be supervised and supported by Kristen Peterka, Denver Audubon School Programs Manager, as well as by Erin Dreps, eeCorps Program Coordinator. The 2025-26 cohort of eeCorps members serving throughout the region will act as additional resources and support for each other.
Location and Service Conditions: This position will be based at the Denver Audubon Kingery Nature Center at 11280 Waterton Rd, Littleton, CO 80125 and at the Denver Audubon offices at 11338 Waterton Rd, Littleton, CO 80125 (across the street from the Nature Center). Service will be performed at the Nature Center and at other partner schools, parks, community centers, and libraries in Jefferson, Douglas, Arapahoe, and Denver counties.
Benefits:
· Biweekly (two times per month) living allowance of $956.52. Taxes are deducted and the living allowance is distributed by direct deposit to the member’s bank account.
· $325/month housing stipend
- Health insurance
- Child care assistance, if eligible
- An education award of $7,395 upon successful completion of term of service.
- It is possible to defer student loans while serving as an AmeriCorps member.
- Mileage reimbursement for eeCorps-required travel.
- Non-tangible benefits including extensive training, valuable experience, networking, and the opportunity to serve the local community in a crucial area of need.
- Ability to participate in regional EE leadership councils; option to obtain CAEE’s nationally-recognized Professional Environmental Educator Certification.
Diversity and Equal Opportunity: 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. We provide equal employment and volunteer opportunities to all individuals based on relevant qualifications and abilities.
The Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (CAEE) recognizes the value of diversity and inclusiveness to advance environmental education. CAEE defines diversity in its broadest sense and welcomes everyone to the field of environmental education and the Alliance, including but not limited to people of all races, ethnicities, genders, gender expressions, sexual orientations, abilities, ages, national origins, socioeconomic status, religious affiliations, languages, and heritages.
How to Apply: If you are interested in applying to this position, please prepare the following documents and submit them via the form found at https://tinyurl.com/eeCorpsApply: 1) a resume, 2) a short cover letter outlining your interest in the program and commitment to national service, and 3) a list of three references.
Note: Position will be filled pending grant award.