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

Moose Have Lived in Colorado for Centuries: Unpacking the Evidence

By William Taylor, John Wendt and Joshua Miller

Aug 16, 2025

Statements on the National Park Service website assert that Colorado has never supported a breeding population of moose – only the occasional transient visitor. That's wrong.

SPARK to Make Its U.S. Debut at the Breckenridge International Festival of Arts

By Abigail Bliss

Aug 15, 2025

Tonight through Sunday, this immersive installation by Studio Roosegaarde will showcase a safer, more sustainable alternative to fireworks.

Largest Colorado Wildfires and How the Lee Fire Compares

By Thomas Mitchell

Aug 14, 2025

According to the Division of Fire Prevention & Control, all twenty of Colorado's largest recorded wildfires have occurred since 2001.

Deadly Bird Disease Spotted in South Denver

By Bennito L. Kelty

Aug 12, 2025

Humans can't get infected with avian pox, but it can be fatal to wild and domesticated birds, including pets and livestock.

How Weather Conditions Are Contributing to Wildfires Across the State

By Catie Cheshire

Aug 1, 2025

“Colorado is one lightning strike and one unattended campfire away from our next wildfire."

Xcel's Coal Retirement Plan Could Cost Colorado Customers, Advocates Warn

By Catie Cheshire

Jul 30, 2025

One consumer protection group is calling for the Colorado Public Utilities Commission to shrink Xce's giant proposal.

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.

Environment

How to Poop Outdoors

Berthoud Distillery Supports Sustainable Farming

Environment

How to Poop Outdoors

Berthoud Distillery Supports Sustainable Farming

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