Denver Westword | The Leading Independent News Source in Denver, Colorado

Taking the High Toad: Denver Zoo Releases Boreal Toads to Help Near-Endangered Species

By Kristen Fiore

Jul 23, 2025

"There are some numbers out there from Colorado Parks and Wildlife that there are as few as 800 adult toads in our state."

Advocates Fear Federal Cuts Will Hurt Wildfire Recovery at Colorado National Park

By Hannah Metzger

Jul 18, 2025

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park had a one-third reduction in staffing this year, according to a watchdog group.

Denver's First Commercial Composting Facility Opens at National Western Center

By Catie Cheshire

Jul 14, 2025

Compost Colorado processes over 2 million pounds of organic waste each year. Now, half of that waste will be processed in north Denver.

The 1965 Flood: How Denver's Greatest Disaster Changed the City

By Alan Prendergast

Jul 8, 2025

Sixty years ago, a flood swept through the Mile High City.

Back With a Splash: Sea Lions Return to Denver Zoo Upon Completion of New Habitat

By Kristen Fiore

Jun 30, 2025

Sea lions have returned to the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance and are now enjoying a new $19 million habitat.

People riding mountain bikes on trail in Colorado

Colorado Republicans Aren't Big on GOP Plan to Sell Off Public Lands, Either

By Hannah Metzger

Jun 27, 2025

Local Republicans are resisting their national party members' plan to sell up to 41,500 acres of federal land in Colorado.

Bug Alert: Nation's Most Destructive Forest Pest Found in Denver

By Hannah Metzger

Jun 26, 2025

The invasive species is infamous for killing ash trees, which account for one in six trees in Denver.

Colorado Forest Lands Should Remain Safe Despite Trump Plan to Strip National Protections

By Hannah Metzger

Jun 24, 2025

Colorado is one of only two states with regulations that supersede the boundaries of the federal order.

Sloan’s Lake Must Be Part of the Vibrant Denver Bond

By Ean Thomas Tafoya

Jun 14, 2025

"Show that Sloan’s Lake — and the people who care about it — are essential to our city's future."

Claws Came Out at Colorado Wildlife Commission Meeting Over Problematic Wolf Pack

By Catie Cheshire

Jun 13, 2025

Colorado Parks and Wildlife killed one member of the Copper Creek Wolf pack. The agricultural community says that's not enough.

Summer 2025: The Ten Best Wildflower Hikes Near Denver...and Five Further Afield

By Abigail Bliss

Jun 11, 2025

Admire abundant blooms all summer long on these wildflower hikes near Denver....as well as a few more worth a long drive.

Supreme Court Changes the Game on Federal Environmental Reviews

By J.B. Ruhl

Jun 8, 2025

On May 29, the Supreme Court – minus Justice Neil Gorsuch, who recused himself – decided the case of Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County, Colorado.

What an Ozone Action Alert Day Is, and What to Do on High-Ozone Days

By Catie Cheshire

Jun 6, 2025

Denver ranks sixth on a list of most polluted cities for ozone in 2024.

One Lawsuit Against Purina for Stinking Up Denver Was Dropped — but Another Was Already Filed

By Catie Cheshire

Jun 5, 2025

Plaintiffs argue that the stench created by Purina making pet food is a nuisance that has hurt their property values.

Keep Out an Eye for a Light Show in the Sky Tonight

By Kristen Fiore

Jun 2, 2025

A rare geometric storm could cause the sky to light up with bands of purple, magenta and green in Colorado.

Meet the Man Defending You (and Your Dog) Against Toxic Algae at Denver Parks

By Catie Cheshire

May 30, 2025

People and dogs can experience negative symptoms after coming into contact with blue-green algae, especially if it's ingested.

Brown Alert: Denver Dog Poop Has Reached Critical Level

By Thomas Mitchell

May 28, 2025

Wearing white shoes in Denver is a dangerous game, full of squishy land mines.

Reader: Anyone With Kids Knows the Parks in Denver Are Amazing

By Westword Staff

May 25, 2025

But some residents complain that there's no water on the ground — or in the fountains.

Bison grazing in the snow at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

Polis Signs Law Protecting Roaming Bison From Hunting

By Brendan Joel Kelley

May 23, 2025

Most Americans still confuse buffalo and bison, thanks in part to Buffalo Bill Cody, a famous bison hunter who's buried in Denver.

Cherry Creek Trail Will Flood for Maintenance Today

By Catie Cheshire

May 21, 2025

Don’t try to hang out near Cherry Creek in Aurora and Denver on May 21.

Environment

2025 Colorado Weather Keeping Wildfires Burning

Xcel Coal Plant Retirement Plan Could Raise Bills

Environment

2025 Colorado Weather Keeping Wildfires Burning

Xcel Coal Plant Retirement Plan Could Raise Bills

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