Good morning, Denver.

On Sunday, Denver Zoo expanded cooling measures (including misters, indoor habitats, water stations and chill zones) as visitors braved upper-90s heat; the zoo now opens at 8 a.m. on hot days to offer a cooler start.

Denver7 honored 94-year-old Cliff Fales for 32 years of service with Habitat for Humanity as he recently retired from active volunteer work.

Fales began as a computer novice in 1994 whose IT work modernized the nonprofit (helping serve more families), earning him recognition as an Everyday Hero.

Local, state and federal agencies will release 800 million gallons of water from Twin Lakes into the Arkansas River starting early August to ease drought and lower water temperatures for fish and recreation up to Pueblo Reservoir.

The move aims to protect river health amid intensifying drought.

Denver Botanic Gardens and the Colorado Golf Association are partnering at CommonGround Golf Course in Aurora to plant native wildflowers and use recycled water to boost local wildlife.

The project will offer seminars for kids to learn about conservation and agronomy.

Nicki Gonzales (a Regis University professor) is Colorado’s new state historian set to inspire residents to explore family histories and learn from past challenges; she will promote coalition-building to help communities understand their heritage.