The new Evergreen Nature Center

After 76 years, Evergreen Lake’s old warming hut goes back to nature

The historic warming hut on the south side of Evergreen Lake—about 30 miles west of Denver—has provided fond memories for thousands of Coloradans since it was built in 1933 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Along with its neighbor, the much larger Evergreen Lake House, the hut is a very well-known feature of the lake. In winter, ice skaters enjoyed taking a break for hot chocolate and popcorn there.

After a fire caused damage in 1993, the building sat unused for 14 years. In 2007, funding for its restoration was provided by Jefferson County Open Space and the Colorado Historical Society, and in 2008 the historic hut finally reopened as the new Evergreen Nature Center.

The center is a project of the Evergreen Audubon Society, which just celebrated its 40th anniversary. Society members have long dreamed of having their own Nature Center to provide environmental education programs and exhibits for the local community and visitors.

So far, the dream is coming true as the word slowly gets around about Evergreen’s new attraction. “Last year we counted 14,000 visitors from the Denver metro area,” says Michael Stills, executive director of Evergreen Nature Center. “Everyone is very pleased with the change. The Nature Center has restored life to the building.”

A variety of classes and programs are offered in spring, summer and fall—all of them free, though advance registration is required. In August the lineup includes:

  • An evening of stargazing, with telescopes provided.
  • A guided hike to see wildflowers in the St. Mary’s Glacier area.
  • Sustainable design for the home—learn how to reduce the natural resources you consume by making some simple changes to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
  • Two gardening classes—one about weeds, and the other about soil and fertilizer.

Besides the classes, the Nature Center has knowledgeable volunteer staff members available on site to answer visitors’ questions. “We have 40 volunteers who make this work, and are looking for more,” says Stills. In addition, 17 exhibits and activity stations educate visitors about the natural world of Evergreen Lake and the Bear Creek Watershed.

For the latest information, fall event schedules and opening hours, contact Evergreen Nature Center at 303-330-0489 or www.evergreennaturecenter.org.