The Audubon Center breathes life into old buildings that have stood dormant for many decades. Originally part of a 5,000-acre working ranch, the two stone structures were built in the early 1940′s, serving as a home for the Atchison family. In 1955, the site was transformed into the headquarters for the Glen L. Martin Company – now Lockheed Martin. After the flood of 1965, the land became part of the Chatfield Dam Construction Project and, subsequently, Chatfield State Park.

In 1998, ASGD was invited by Colorado State Parks to create a nature center at the site due to demand for natural science education programs. Colorado State Parks recognized that ASGD has been a leader in environmental conservation in the Denver area since 1969 and has received numerous national awards for its education programs. It was a natural fit for ASGD to begin work on a nature center at Chatfield.

In 2006, the original farmhouse was transformed into a nature center offering classroom and exhibit space. The stone garage building became an outdoor learning lab. Large overhead doors were added to provide a unique classroom with walls that open into nature.