Aurora’s Open Space and Natural Resources Division awarded $10,000

Aurora’s Open Space and Natural Resources (OSNR) Division will receive $10,000 from the Science and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) for General Operating Support in 2009-2010. OSNR competed in the “Tier III” level which includes over 280 volunteer and professional cultural organizations. A check presentation ceremony is scheduled for mid-October.

Funding will provide naturalist programs in Aurora to improve and expand science education programming and exhibits. OSNR will also be supporting SCFD's mission to provide valuable science education resources to citizens of all ages and ability levels.

Aurora’s Open Space and Natural Resources division preserves opportunities for future generations to experience natural areas and ecosystems of all types. Through outstanding programs, resource management, and services, OSNR builds awareness and appreciation of open space within the city, protects and provides habitat for wildlife, and educates citizens on the purpose, values, and uses of open space. Aurora Naturalists provide guided walks, talks, and science education exhibits throughout the city, including the Morrison Nature Center and the Aurora Water Quality Understanding and Appreciation Lounge (AWQUA) Lounge at the Aurora Reservoir.

Yearly, OSNR’s Naturalist Program provides nature education to approximately 3,000 school children, 2,100 members of organized groups, clubs and civic organizations; and over 800 colleagues and professionals. Annually, approximately 3,000 visitors come to the city’s nature centers and over 5,700 participants join the naturalists at interactive and innovative event booths designed to educate and entertain.  A three-member city staff of naturalists and an advisory board work in cooperation to raise awareness about open space, wildlife and the value of natural areas.

Since 1989, the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District has distributed funds from a tenth of one percent sales and use tax to cultural facilities throughout the Denver metropolitan area. The SCFD is a unique collaboration between rural, suburban and urban counties. The distribution budget for scientific and cultural organizations in the seven-county area is approximately $40 million annually. The funds support cultural facilities whose primary purpose is to enlighten and entertain the public through the production, presentation, exhibition, advancement and preservation of art, music, theatre, dance, zoology, botany, natural history and cultural history.