"What better way to honor her legacy than by celebrating on the day dedicated to the planet we call home?"”

NEDERLAND — Wild Bear Nature Center’s net-zero Indian Peaks location is nearly ready, set to open to the public in fall 2026. Until then, the organization has kept their regular events going, continuing to host after-school programs and annual events centering on nature education.

On October 9, 2025, the longtime interim Wild Bear location in Nederland burned down in the Lakeview Fire, along with every other business in the Caribou Village Shopping Center. This year, unable to host in either the interim center or the new building, the organization held their annual Wild Earth Day on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at Ned General.

Featuring live music from Shakina Ma and her band, attendees could explore crafts and make collages using magazines, have their faces painted, and enjoy snacks with family and friends.

The staff and volunteers of Wild Bear also recognized Jill Dreves, founder and former executive director, for her critical role in the nature center’s growth since its start in 1995. They also celebrated the birthday of Frankie Beard, Wild Bear’s director of educational operations, bringing in two cakes for all attendees (one with chocolate filling and one with vanilla).

As a surprise for Dreves and the organization, local painter Danielle Crouse presented two paintings honoring the nature center. The first, titled “Necessity,” depicts a black bear preparing to walk into a den covered in snow, representing how important Wild Bear has been to the community.

Carrie Pollock, Board of Directors member, commissioned "Necessity" for Dreves, and the second painting, "Ambassador," was donated to the center. It depicts Westie the western painted turtle, who perished along with the center’s other animal ambassadors in the Lakeview Fire.

Paintings by Danielle Crouse: "Necessity" (left) and "Ambassador" (right).

Photo by Jamie Lammers

For staff, volunteers, and community members, celebrating Dreves isn’t just honoring her contributions and hard work, it's honoring the multi-generational impact her organization has created.

With her experience as a teacher, Dreves started and helped build an educational experience to inspire kids and their families with the beauty of nature. Now a part of the center’s Capital Campaign Committee, her mission still stands strong over 30 years later. What better way to honor her legacy than by celebrating on the day dedicated to the planet we call home?

To learn more about the center and donate today, visit wildbear.org. To learn more about the efforts towards the new nature center, visit gowild.wildbear.org.