Home Care In Boulder, CO

To those who knew him, Jeff Cameron was a visionary.

He had big ideas about solutions to climate change, which focused his work as a professor at the University of Colorado Boulder. But he also had dozens of passions in and beyond science, from baking bread to mushroom hunting.

“I fell in love with his intellect and the way he had a unique vision of the world and saw things that other people didn’t see,” his wife Jennifer Cameron said. “We could be strolling along and he would point things out that most people would never even notice.”

Jeff Cameron died on Sept. 25 at 43 years old. He had a wife and four children: an 11-year-old daughter, a 9-year-old son and 8-year-old identical twin girls. His family declined to disclose the circumstances of his death.

The loss has devastated his family. Jennifer Cameron said it’s been extremely hard for her and their kids, who live in Erie.

“He played a huge role in our lives and the loss of him is massive,” she said. “It feels like there’s a void or a hole in our house.”

Remembering Jeff Cameron

If her husband ever had a second career, he would’ve been a chef, Jennifer Cameron said.

The family never ate out at restaurants because his food was next-level. He taught the children how to cook, bake and harvest vegetables from their garden.

“He would always tell the kids the secret ingredient was love,” she said.

He cooked everything from Indian food to Chinese food to barbeque to cinnamon rolls. If he was passionate about something, like cooking, he would study it religiously.

“He actually studied it like he was going to become a professor,” she laughed. “And that’s how he became so good at it.”

Jeff Cameron also liked to take the kids out on adventures in nature. He planned weekend outings for the family and took his children to his lab at CU Boulder.

“He really impressed upon them the importance of education and learning as much as you can,” she said.

CU Boulder Professor Boswell Wing was a close friend and colleague of Jeff Cameron.

The two went hiking together often, something they called “hike and talk.” Wing said the more Jeff Cameron got excited about what he was talking about, the faster he’d walk. Then he’d see something like lichen pop up on the trail, and he’d stop for a picture. Then he’d be off again, walking and talking about something entirely different. He was someone who could hold a lot of creative ideas in his head at the same time.

“We lost a star, not just a star scientist but a star human,” Wing said.

The other thing Jeff Cameron talked about just as much as science was his family, whether it was about soccer games or cross country meets or a science project that he was directing at home.

“It was really clear just from interacting with him at work that his priority wasn’t necessarily work but his priority was truly being a parent and spouse to the members of his family,” Wing said.

‘A world-class scientist’

Jeff Cameron’s work at CU Boulder focused on climate solutions. He ran a lab that studied physiology, cell biology and cyanobacteria. He studied how cyanobacteria can convert carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into useful products, like oxygen, for the betterment of the environment.

He was also a co-founder of Prometheus Materials, a startup that makes zero-carbon bio-cement and bio-concrete by combining microalgae with other natural components.

“Jeff was somebody who deeply cared about science and could just get down into the weeds with the best of us,” Wing said, adding, “He had the kind of gift of stepping back and saying OK, how can what I’m learning here about this process be scaled up and impact lives.”

Merritt Turetsky, a fellow of the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute at CU Boulder, said Jeff Cameron was someone who found beauty in his academic research. Not only did he develop products that were commercialized, but he was also a cellular cinematographer and combined science and art into a project that found its way into the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

“He was so captivating in his fascination in the natural world, and I was very impressed,” Turetsky said. “He was a world-class scientist and was doing amazing, innovative development on clean tech that just absolutely stunned me.”

Cinema Studies Professor Erin Espelie and Jeff Cameron met in the fall of 2018 when they were awarded the same fellowship. They immediately connected and began working on the project that ended up in the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. The exhibit included videos, photos and hundreds of petri dishes artfully cultured so the bacteria grew in particular designs and colors.

“Jeff and I both wanted people to get excited about what cyanobacteria could do and how interesting, how different they were, how beautiful they could be,” Espelie said.

She’s now working on a feature-length film based on footage she gathered in his lab over the years. Espelie said she’s devastated by his death.

“Jeff was just so generous and visionary in his thinking and in his ability to say yes, an artist can come in and have decision-making power,” she said, adding, “He said science wouldn’t have happened if an artist hadn’t been in the room.”

Espelie said he was unique in how visionary he was and didn’t seek prestige or any outside affirmation. He was someone who genuinely wanted to make discoveries and ask the scientific questions he wanted to ask.

“There was an element of nonconformity that I really gravitated toward and he was just so inclusive,” she said. “He made me feel like I was part of the laboratory.”

‘Miss him a lot’

Jeff Cameron was the sole breadwinner for the family. He supported his wife when she was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic cancer a year ago, and she credits him as the reason she’s alive today.

Jennifer Cameron said their oldest child is taking his death the hardest, and one of the twins gets scared at night.

“He was an integral part of our family and we have four kids and it’s a lot without him,” she said. “The kids obviously miss him a lot and becoming a single mother, I haven’t even reached the extent of what this means for me.”

Turetsky helped organize a GoFundMe campaign to support his family as they face financial insecurity. As of Thursday, the page has raised more than $118,000. To view the page, visit gofundme.com/f/contribute-to-a-future-for-jeff-camerons-children.

Turetsky recalled feeling a bit of imposter syndrome when she first started working at the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute. Although she didn’t know him as long as some of his other colleagues, she will always remember Jeff Cameron as one of the first people to welcome her.

“He showed extreme kindness to me and it’s a reminder that we can pay that forward,” Turetsky said, adding, “He put me in awe of the human spirit.”

First Human Case of Tularemia Confirmed in Boulder County in 2024

Seguido en Español

Boulder County, Colo. —A human case of tularemia has been identified in Boulder County, marking the first reported case this year. The person affected resides near Boulder and began experiencing fever symptoms on Oct. 2. These progressed to altered mental status and fluid in the lungs. The individual has been diagnosed with pneumonic tularemia, a rare respiratory form of the disease.

The individual reported contact with a cat and dog during their exposure period, though neither animal has shown signs of illness. The individual could not confirm a recent insect bite, though this remains a possible source of infection.

Public health officials will post warning signs in the area to alert residents of tularemia risks and encourage precautions to prevent infection. People can contract tularemia through bites from infected insects, most commonly ticks and deer flies, or contact with infected animal tissues. The bacteria can also be inhaled if infected animal particles become airborne.

“It’s essential to take precautions around wild animals and avoid contact, as tularemia, while rare, poses serious health risks,” said Carly Wilson, Boulder County Public Health Vector Epidemiologist/Environmental Health Specialist. “If you develop a fever and know tularemia has been found in your area, or if you think you may have been exposed, be sure to mention it to your healthcare provider.”

Tularemia is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis, commonly found in wild animals, particularly rodents, rabbits and hares. Symptoms can vary but often include fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes and respiratory symptoms that may resemble cold or flu-like illness.

Public health officials recommend the following precautions:

• Avoid areas frequented by wild rabbits and rodents. If you do enter such areas, use insect repellent containing DEET.

• Prevent pets from hunting or consuming wild animals.

• Avoid contact with wild rabbits and rodents, including squirrels; do not feed or handle them.

• Do not touch sick or dead animals with bare hands. Use a long-handled shovel and garbage bag to dispose of animals, placing the bag in an outdoor trash can.

• Avoid drinking untreated water from streams or lakes.

• Refrain from mowing over animal carcasses, and consider wearing a dust mask when landscaping.

• Avoid tick exposure; keep pets, especially cats, indoors or away from tick-prone areas.

• Seek medical care if you experience high fever and/or swollen lymph nodes.

• Consult a veterinarian if your pet shows signs of illness with a high fever or swollen lymph nodes.

For more information on tularemia, visit www.cdc.gov/tularemia or www.boco.org/Tularemia, or contact Boulder County Public Health at 303-441-1564. To report a rabbit die-off, please call 303-441-1564.

En Español

Se confirma el primer caso humano de tularemia en el Condado de Boulder en 2024

Condado de Boulder, Colo. —Se ha identificado un caso humano de tularemia en el Condado de Boulder, lo que marca el primer caso reportado este año. La persona afectada reside cerca de la ciudad de Boulder y comenzó a experimentar síntomas de fiebre el 2 de octubre. Estos progresaron a un estado mental alterado y líquido en los pulmones. Se le ha diagnosticado tularemia neumónica, una forma respiratoria rara de la enfermedad.

La persona informó haber tenido contacto con un gato y un perro durante su período de exposición, aunque ninguno de los animales ha mostrado signos de enfermedad. La persona no pudo confirmar una picadura de insecto reciente, aunque esta sigue siendo una posible fuente de infección.

Los funcionarios de salud pública colocarán carteles de advertencia en el área para alertar a los residentes sobre los riesgos de tularemia y alentarlos a tomar precauciones para prevenir la infección. Las personas pueden contraer tularemia a través de picaduras de insectos infectados, más comúnmente garrapatas y tábanos, o por contacto con tejidos animales infectados. La bacteria también puede inhalarse si las partículas animales infectadas se transmiten por el aire.

“Es esencial tomar precauciones cerca de animales salvajes y evitar el contacto, ya que la tularemia, aunque es poco común, plantea graves riesgos para la salud”, dijo Carly Wilson, epidemióloga de vectores de Salud Pública del Condado de Boulder y especialista en salud ambiental. “Si tiene fiebre y sabe que se ha detectado tularemia en su área, o si cree que puede haber estado expuesto, asegúrese de mencionarlo a su proveedor de atención médica”.

La tularemia es causada por la bacteria Francisella tularensis, que se encuentra comúnmente en animales salvajes, en particular roedores, conejos y liebres. Los síntomas pueden variar, pero a menudo incluyen fiebre, escalofríos, ganglios linfáticos inflamados y síntomas respiratorios que pueden parecerse a una enfermedad similar a la gripe o el resfriado.

Los funcionarios de salud pública recomiendan las siguientes precauciones:

• Evite las áreas frecuentadas por conejos y roedores salvajes. Si ingresa a dichas áreas, use repelente de insectos que contenga DEET.

• Evite que las mascotas cacen o consuman animales salvajes.

• Evite el contacto con conejos y roedores salvajes, incluidas las ardillas; no los alimente ni los manipule.

• No toque animales enfermos o muertos con las manos descubiertas. Use una pala de mango largo y una bolsa de basura para deshacerse de los animales, colocando la bolsa en un basurero al aire libre.

• Evite beber agua no tratada de arroyos o lagos.

• Absténgase de cortar el césped sobre cadáveres de animales y considere usar una máscara antipolvo cuando trabaje en el jardín.

• Evite la exposición a las garrapatas; mantenga a las mascotas, especialmente a los gatos, en el interior o lejos de áreas propensas a las garrapatas.

• Busque atención médica si tiene fiebre alta y/o ganglios linfáticos inflamados.

• Consulte a un veterinario si su mascota muestra signos de enfermedad con fiebre alta o ganglios linfáticos inflamados.

Para obtener más información sobre la tularemia, visite www.cdc.gov/tularemia o www.boco.org/Tularemia, o comuníquese con Salud Pública del Condado de Boulder al 303-441-1564. Para informar sobre la muerte de un conejo, llame al 303-441-1564.

As Halloween approaches, families and thrill-seekers alike are gearing up for a night of delightful frights and delectable sweets. In the picturesque city of Boulder, Colorado, the Halloween spirit comes alive with an array of charming neighborhoods and lively streets that offer the perfect setting for a spooktacular trick-or-treating experience. Whether you’re a local resident or visiting from out of town, Boulder boasts some of the best places to go trick-or-treating, ensuring an unforgettable Halloween adventure for all.

Boulder, Colorado is renowned for its enchanting neighborhoods that transform into veritable wonderlands during the Halloween season. One such neighborhood is the historic Mapleton Hill, where the streets are lined with elegant Victorian homes adorned with eerie yet captivating decorations. As dusk descends, the soft glow of jack-o’-lanterns and the rustle of fallen leaves create an enchanting ambiance, making it a must-visit spot for trick-or-treaters of all ages.

Mapleton Hill

Another bewitching locale is the Whittier neighborhood, where the community comes together to create a spirited atmosphere that is as heartwarming as it is spine-tingling. Here, you’ll find elaborately themed houses, friendly residents handing out treats, and a sense of camaraderie that embodies the true spirit of Halloween.

For those seeking a thrill-filled adventure, Boulder offers several haunted hotspots that promise an exhilarating trick-or-treating experience. The Pearl Street Mall, known for its vibrant shops and lively atmosphere, undergoes a ghoulish transformation during Halloween. Families can wander along the pedestrian-friendly mall, where costumed characters and street performers add to the festive ambiance, while local businesses generously dole out an assortment of sweets and treats to eager trick-or-treaters.

Additionally, the University Hill neighborhood, with its storied history and spirited student population, becomes a haunted haven on Halloween night. The lively energy of the university community, combined with creatively adorned houses and an abundance of candy, makes this area a prime destination for those in search of spine-tingling fun.

Pearl Street Mall

In addition to the enchanting neighborhoods and haunted hotspots, Boulder hosts a variety of community celebrations that offer a delightful twist on traditional trick-or-treating. The annual Munchkin Masquerade, held in the enchanting downtown area, invites families to dress up in their finest costumes and partake in a merry parade of trick-or-treating at local businesses. The event fosters a sense of community spirit while providing a safe and enjoyable environment for children to collect treats.

With its enchanting neighborhoods, haunted hotspots, and vibrant community celebrations, Boulder, Colorado stands as one of the best places in the country to go trick-or-treating. Whether you’re drawn to the historic charm of Mapleton Hill, the electrifying energy of Pearl Street Mall, or the community-centric events, Boulder offers an array of options for a Halloween adventure that is sure to leave you spellbound.

If you’re going to be an urban baby owl hatched onto this Earth to help bring back your threatened species, the city of Boulder’s Open Space is a good place to be.

Boulder County’s Parks and Open Space system, with its 100,000-plus acres, canyon trails and broad foothills vistas, may get more attention.

But the city of Boulder has also spent years helping to bring back native grasslands around the edges of the city, while supporting breeding bird populations at places like Gunbarrel Hill. And when baby burrowing owls poke their adorable heads out of the prairie dog holes their parents took over for housing, Boulder wildlife officials scramble to protect them.

Burrowing owls are on Colorado’s state threatened species list, so city wildlife specialists keep a lookout on prairie dog holes each spring for telltale signs of owlets — with their trademark yellow eyes and unusual-for-owls daytime feeding habits.

After consistent years of successful burrowing owl launches, Boulder wildlife experts hadn’t seen any this year. Then they turned up in an awkward spot: Workers putting the final vegetation touches on a new stretch of the Vesper Trail at Gunbarrel Hill south of Lookout Road saw owlets just off the unopened trail. Biologists went to scope out the owlets, and found another burrowing pair with more owlets a little farther off the trail. Two pairs along the trail were great news.

Plans for a summer grand opening for Vesper Trail screech-owled to a halt. Boulder is a good place to ask for wildlife-friendly patience from eager hikers, city ecologist Victoria “Tory” Poulton said.

Hold those dogs, too, Boulder said.

“Dogs even on a leash can be a real hazard to owls and especially the young, when they’re still learning to fly, and detect and get away from threats,” Poulton said.

Open space officials put off the trail opening from early June to just now, and the delay helped the owl parents successfully fledge eight young from their underground abodes. Boulder has a master plan in place to deemphasize the informal trails that have cropped up among frequent park users, steering people toward wildlife-respecting trails like the new Vespers section. Providing bigger blocks of undisturbed land, even inside an already-protected park boundary, is one key to promoting wildlife conservation.

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The day-hunting burrowers are migratory, so this is the time of year the young ones join their parents on flights to Texas or Mexico, Poulton said. In spring, they tend to look for new space close to where they were hatched.

“So if we’re lucky, we’ll have some of those come back,” she said. “And then our expectation for next year, with the trail open, is that they will decide to not nest right there but move to other parts of the property, where there’s a bigger block of habitat away from disturbance.”

Type of Story: News

Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.

Michael BoothEnvironment Reporter

booth@coloradosun.com

Michael Booth is The Sun’s environment writer, and co-author of The Sun’s weekly climate and health newsletter The Temperature. He and John Ingold host the weekly SunUp podcast on The Temperature topics every Thursday. He is co-author... More by Michael Booth