Bluff Lake Nature Center is a nonprofit agency that owns and manages a unique urban wildlife refuge and outdoor classroom in Denver. The refuge is home to an abundance of animals and native plants which thrive in a variety of habitats. Bluff Lake is Denver's largest open space managed as native habitat, and Denver's only nonprofit nature center.

We rely solely on community support. The organization educates individuals to be engaged, resilient, and curious; conserves a natural area in the city; furthers equity in outdoor access; and nurtures the health and well-being of communities and ecosystems. Tens of thousands of visitors come to Bluff Lake each year to enjoy moments of solace and connection to nature or to take part in scheduled programs or events.

The refuge supports native short-grass prairie bluffs surrounding a 9-acre lake adjacent to a stream corridor. Prior to pioneer settlement, Native Americans lived on the plains, hunting bison and deer on the bluffs. Following Stapleton Airport's closure in 1994, Bluff Lake Natural Area was established and protected under a settlement agreement, with Denver investing over three million dollars to enhance wildlife habitat, restore Sand Creek banks, build an interpretive trail system, and construct open-air shelters.

Bluff Lake now offers a variety of programming, ranging from summer programs such as Fireside Chats and Junior Naturalist camps to special events and corporate team-building service projects that help restore the land.