Denver, CO

Bluff Lake is Denver’s best birdwatching spot — and a bridge to the city’s history

Published

2 years ago

August 22, 2022

Bluff Lake is Denver’s best birdwatching spot — and a bridge to the city’s history

Editor’s word: That is a part of The Know’s sequence, Workers Favorites. Every week, we’ll provide our opinions on the most effective that Colorado has to supply for eating, purchasing, leisure, outside actions and extra. (We’ll additionally allow you to in on some hidden gems).

There are some parks and open areas in metro Denver that, should you use your creativeness and squint good, could make you are feeling miles away from town.

It could be form to say that Bluff Lake Nature Middle is one in every of these locations, however in reality, the 123-acre wildlife refuge and environmental schooling heart by no means lets guests neglect the place they’re. Airplanes, automobiles and bikes might be heard at each level. Close by hammering and drilling at development websites within the Central Park neighborhood add to the din.

That city setting on the intersection of Martin Luther King Boulevard and Havana Method, nevertheless, is what makes it so superb that Bluff Lake is the No. 1 spot inside town limits for birdwatching, in keeping with the ebird on-line database and neighborhood discussion board.

A hooded merganser at Bluff Lake Nature Middle in Denver, December 2020. (Audrey Hannifin, Particular to The Denver Put up.)

Birders have recorded a whopping 230 totally different species at Bluff Lake, together with frequent residents like red-winged blackbirds, furry woodpeckers and green-winged teals; extra magnificent denizens like nice blue herons, nice horned owls and Swainson’s hawks; and uncommon guests like a semipalmated sandpiper and a Cordilleran flycatcher. Within the final two years alone, birders have positively recognized not less than eight species new to the protect, together with a golden eagle and a red-eyed vireo.

The variety of species noticed there may be way over at another metropolis park, open area, creek, wetlands, greenbelt, path or pond inside town limits. On my most up-to-date go to, I used to be graced by a household of great-horned owls, two sorts of hawks, yellow warblers, American coots, cliff swallows and goldfinches.

The juxtaposition of metropolis life with pure magnificence is a part of what makes Bluff Lake such a terrific place to stroll — particularly when you think about its historical past on the fringe of city and rural.

Like all of the land in Colorado, the world round Bluff Lake was utilized by the Cheyenne, Arapahoe and different Native American tribes earlier than settlers from the east started creating farms and ranches. However by the late 1800s, the 9-acre lake was a part of an enormous swath owned by Cyrus Richardson, a rancher and lawyer. It was fed by streams and used to irrigate native nurseries.

It continued within the function of an irrigator till the Forties, when town’s Aviation Division purchased the land across the lake to make use of as a “crash zone” for Stapleton Worldwide Airport, in keeping with a historical past of Bluff Lake that’s laid out on its web site. Crash zones had been “required on the finish of all runways to defend the encircling neighborhood from airplane actions.”

It additionally turned a part of an enormous north-south aviation and military-industrial complicated that ran from the Rocky Mountain Arsenal chemical weapons manufacturing plant, down via Stapleton and into Fitzsimmons Military Medical Middle and the Lowry and Buckley air bases.

On this 1999 picture, taken from Google Earth, Bluff Lake might be seen close to the previous Stapleton Worldwide Airport runway. (Bluff Lake Nature Middle web site.)

By the mid-Nineties, most of those amenities had been decommissioned and/or changed (though there may be nonetheless a navy presence at Buckley) and metropolis planners started to show the land — a few of it contaminated by this level — towards different makes use of, like housing and open area. That labored significantly effectively for Bluff Lake, which had been just about undisturbed by people for 50 years as a crash zone. Birds and animals, however, had turned it into a house.

Round that point, the Sierra Membership sued town of Denver, saying that the airport had allowed de-icing chemical compounds to spill into Sand Creek, killing the fish, in keeping with Bluff Lake Nature Middle’s web site. The 2 sides finally settled and Denver agreed to protect the Bluff Lake space and make investments greater than $3 million to “improve wildlife habitat, restore the banks of Sand Creek, construct an interpretive path system and assemble open-air shelters.” That course of has continued, and immediately the character heart is owned by its governing nonprofit group.

The care put into it’s evident. An extended stairway leads down from the car parking zone to a spot on the creek. This can be a good place to seek out herons and egrets on some days. From there, strolling counter-clockwise across the path, you could find woodpeckers, warblers, towhees and dozens of different species. Finally, the trail results in an extended boardwalk out into the lake, the place it’s attainable to see geese and geese of every kind, relying on the season.

On the far level of the lake is a chook blind for extra viewing. Previous that, coming again round towards the car parking zone, the path rises alongside the bluff that the lake is known as for. That is the most effective space to see swallows, hawks and, in fact, that owl household nesting in a big tree above the lake.

With the housing developments that press into the edges of Bluff Lake, you’ll not have forgotten that you’re within the metropolis whenever you get again to the car parking zone. However taking an extended final look via the lenses of your binoculars, you’ll not have forgotten how resilient nature is, both.

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Denver, CO

Denver sending city employee to El Paso, Texas, to meet with immigrants

Published

43 mins ago

April 25, 2024

Press Room

Denver sending city employee to El Paso, Texas, to meet with immigrants

DENVER — The City of Denver will send one of its employees to El Paso, Texas, in the coming days to meet with immigrants and inform them of the new immigration strategy.

Victoria Aguilar, public information officer for Denver Human Services, will leave for El Paso on Saturday.

The city’s immigration strategy has shifted in recent weeks. Instead of focusing on helping all immigrants who arrive, the city is managing expectations.

“We want people to know what the new plan is. We don’t want them to think that it is the old plan,” said Jon Ewing, a spokesperson for Denver Human Services. “We know that often things are miscommunicated to folks before they ever arrive in Denver. We also know there’s a large number of people who arrive in Denver knowing nothing about Denver, having never intended to come to Denver.”

The city is limiting shelter stays to no more than 72 hours as it focuses on helping people through its Asylum Seekers Program.

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Aguilar will spend about a month in El Paso. She wasn’t available for an interview on Thursday but Ewing, who is one of her colleagues, said Aguilar will meet with immigrants as well as nonprofit leaders while in Texas.

“What we wanted to do is go down there, have a conversation with folks on the ground in El Paso, and say, “What are people being told? What are they hearing before they even arrive in this country?” And see where the disconnect lies,” Ewing said.

Even though immigrants have put a strain on the city’s budget, Ewing said Aguilar’s visit to El Paso is not necessarily meant to discourage immigrants from coming to Denver. But it’s not meant to encourage them to come either.

“We don’t want to encourage people to come here and think that they’re getting six weeks of travel or six weeks of stay, that’s for sure,” Ewing said. “But no, it is not a means of discouraging people.”

Sarah Plastino, director of Denver’s Newcomer Program, said Aguilar will also meet with government officials in El Paso.

“She is a native Spanish speaker. She will be working on the ground with stakeholders, newcomers and government officials in El Paso to coordinate and inform people of our policy change and develop stronger relationships with people on the ground,” Plastino said.

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Ewing said Aguilar made a short visit to El Paso after Denver Mayor Mike Johnston announced the city’s new strategy earlier this month. Plastino said Aguilar has been provided with a desk in the migrant reception center in El Paso. Information about Denver’s new strategy is posted in the reception center and throughout bus terminals.

“We want those folks to have accurate information so that they can make the best decisions for themselves,” said Plastino.

Aguilar will leave for El Paso on Saturday.

Since December 2022, Denver has spent nearly $70 million providing support to over 41,000 new immigrants.

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Denver, CO

2024 NFL Draft: Hart’s final Broncos 7-round mock draft

Published

8 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Press Room

2024 NFL Draft: Hart’s final Broncos 7-round mock draft

After a long offseason of waiting—the time is finally here. The future is now. The 2024 NFL Draft is just a few hours away from kicking off!

With that in mind, I thought it would be apt to do a final mock draft for the Denver Broncos. Keep in mind this isn’t what I would necessarily want them to do—but what could reasonably be expected due to recent rumors and musings surrounding the franchise.

One of the big bombshells dropped a few days ago. According to NFL Insider and Draft Analyst Tony Pauline, the Broncos have multiple teams interested in trading up to the #12 overall pick with the target being Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell. For the purposes of this exercise, I have the Broncos trading back with the Steelers and getting a second-round and fourth-round selection in this year’s draft.

The Denver Broncos trade the #12 selection to the Pittsburgh Steelers for #20, #51 and #119.

#20 Overall — Bo Nix — Quarterback — Oregon

The Broncos traded for Zach Wilson earlier in the week, but there is little doubt in my mind they still desire to take a quarterback in this year’s draft. Nix has a lot of positive skills and traits that line up well with what Sean Payton likes in a quarterback. He is experienced, accurate, plays well within structure, and is a good timing and rhythm passer. While his arm strength isn’t the best, he did have some of the better deep ball grades in this class.

A lot of fans might not like missing out on one of the top four quarterbacks in this year’s class, but selecting Nix and getting extra picks is a win-win situation for the Broncos. They have a legitimate talent at the position who could develop into a quality starter in Payton’s system, while reaping the benefits of more selections to build a better team around him. What’s not to like?

#51 Overall — Ruke Orhorhoro — Defensive Lineman — Clemson

With the trade down, the Broncos are able to work their way into the second round and gain a much-needed selection. After securing Nix in the first, the Broncos turn their focus to the defense to fortify their trenches on that side of the ball.

I think the value for the defensive front will be good in this area of the draft. I have them adding versatile lineman Ruke Orhorhoro out of Clemson into the fold at #51 overall. Capable of playing inside and out, Orhorhoro will see plenty of action as a rookie on the outside at end who can kick inside and offer pass rushing potential on third down. I believe he has the potential to be a very good player in the National Football League.

#76 Overall — Blake Fisher — Offensive Tackle — Notre Dame

The Broncos haven’t drafted an offense tackle in ages. I think the third round offers some interesting options for the Broncos who might be looking toward the future with Garett Bolles in the final year of his contract. While Joe Alt is certainly going to be a blue-chip tackle in the NFL, I was quite impressed with Fisher who manned the right side of the Fighting Irish’s offensive line after switching from left tackle early on in his career.

He is a really good run blocker who shows good athleticism (despite average testing) getting to the second level and creating blocks downfield. I think he has solid strength and the point of attack and generally fairs well in the passing game—but there is some footwork and technique that needs to clean up before he is ready to start.

It’s important to remember he is only 21 years old. I think he has a lot of untapped potential and could very well be one of the gems from this year’s draft class. Don’t forget that Payton has a history of investing a lot of picks to fortify the offensive line, so snagging Fisher in the early third round wouldn’t surprise me at all.

Day 3 Trade: The Broncos send #119 (via Steelers in predicted trade back) and #147 to the Carolina Panthers for #101.

#101 Overall — Javon Baker — Wide Receiver — UCF

During the Broncos’ pre-draft presser, General Manger George Paton said that there are times where Sean Payton has wanted to move up and go and get his guys. I’ll assume Marvin Mims was that guy in 2023. And quite frankly, I wouldn’t be surprised if another wide receiver in this year’s strong class is someone Payton really likes. The Broncos are slated to have three picks early on in the fifth-round, so giving up one of them to get a player they love doesn’t seem like a big stretch.

He didn’t test great athletically, but UCF’s Javon Baker is one of the best route-runners in this class and someone who consistently wins on routes over the middle of the field. He has a penchant for big plays in big moments. I’d describe him as physical and fearless—two traits that rank highly for me. I love the fact that he can separate against press coverage and plays really well coming back to the ball.

The Broncos do have Courtland Sutton, the aforementioned Mims, Josh Reynolds, Tim Patrick, Lil’Jordan Humphrey and Brandon Johnson at the position. However, if they end up drafting a Nix as predicted, getting another guy on a four-year contract seems like the right move.

#121 — Theo Johnson — Tight End — Penn State

Adam Trautman received a two-year contract extension this off-season and is the incumbent starter for the Broncos. However, Greg Dulcich hasn’t panned out as planned due to injury and Lucas Krull and Nate Adkins are the only other two options on the roster. Johnson tested incredibly and has the desired frame and athleticism for the position, but the production isn’t there. I know there are some that think he is a Top 100 selection, though I think he might be in for a little bit of a draft day slide.

#136 — Brennan Jackson — EDGE — Washington State

I have a feeling that the Broncos would like to address EDGE earlier than this, but Jackson in the fourth round is a nice consolation prize. He’s a high motor player who gives 100-percent effort every snap of every game. He is a strong run defender with great length who also racked up 14.5 sacks the past two years for the Cougars. He offers a bit of a different skillset than those in Denver’s room and at the very least should be a quality back up in the league for a long time.

#145 — Isaiah Davis — Running Back — South Dakota State

If the Broncos are looking to add to their running back room, South Dakota State standout Isaiah Davis would be a terrific option for them on Day 3 of the NFL Draft. He is a strong north-south runner with a knack for scoring touchdowns, breaking tackles, accumulating yards after contact and churning out first downs. He would be a great pick for the Broncos and give them a true three-down option in their backfield.

#207 — Dwight McGlothern, CB — Arkansas

McGlothern was one of the most productive cornerbacks on the ball in the SEC, but his pre-draft testing was abysmal which might cause him to tumble a bit on draft day. That being said, he makes plays on the ball (7 interceptions the past two years) and had one of the highest coverage grades amongst draft-eligible corners.

#256 — Jowon Briggs, DT — Cincinatti

The Broncos use their final selection of their draft to fortify the interior of their defensive line. Briggs is at his best occupying blockers and being a force against the run, but also has some decent pass rush potential. He will have a chance to compete for one of the last roster spots for the position group.

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Denver, CO

Denver Broncos NFL Draft picks 2024: Grades, fits and scouting reports

Published

15 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Press Room

Denver Broncos NFL Draft picks 2024: Grades, fits and scouting reports

The Denver Broncos enter the 2024 NFL Draft on April 25 with eight picks over the three-day draft.

The Broncos have the No. 12 pick and are one of a handful of NFL teams searching for a franchise quarterback. The end of the short-lived Russell Wilson era in Denver created a need at the game’s most important position and left a lack of draft capital in its wake.

Head coach Sean Payton and general manager George Paton have said they’re open trading up to get one of the draft’s top quarterbacks if they find the right scenario. Denver’s current quarterback situation includes Jarrett Stidham, Ben DiNucci and Zach Wilson, the former Jets first-round pick acquired in a trade this week.

NFL Draft 2024 tracker: Live blog, pick-by-pick grades and analysis
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But that position, important as it is, represents just part of the draft puzzle for the Broncos as they enter a significant reconstruction of the roster. In addition to jettisoning Wilson, the Broncos released safety Justin Simmons, traded wide receiver Jerry Jeudy and allowed starters like linebacker Josey Jewell and center Lloyd Cushenberry to leave in free agency. Payton is in the early stages of building a new foundation. The draft is instrumental to that work.

Keep coming back here throughout the draft for analysis and grades for each Broncos pick.

GO DEEPER

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