Did you know that the Arvada, Wheat Ridge and Golden areas are home to two National Wildlife Refuges? Colorado may not be one of those more than a dozen wildlife refuges in the path of the upcoming solar eclipse, but these wildlife refuges are no less beautiful.
The Rocky Mountain Arsenal Complex consists of three urban National Wildlife Refuges, Rocky Flats, Two Ponds and Rocky Mountain Arsenal (in Commerce City). Two Ponds is managed as part of the Rocky Mountain Arsenal. Two Ponds is managed as part of the Rocky Mountain Arsenal.
Get close to nature by visiting the two in our neighborhood: Rocky Flats and Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuges.
Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge
10808 Colorado 93, Golden, CO 80403 (303) 289-0232
Established in 2007, Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The 5,237-acre Refuge has striking mountain vistas and rolling prairie grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands. The Refuge's rolling prairie grasslands, woodlands, and wetland areas attract raptors, migrating waterfowl and songbirds, and a variety of mammals including elk, deer, coyotes, and more.
This refuge is home to 239 migratory and resident wildlife species, including prairie falcons, deer, elk, coyotes, songbirds, and the federally threatened Preble's meadow jumping mouse.
A portion of the Refuge contains rare xeric tallgrass prairie, providing habitat for a variety of wildlife and serving as an important natural and conservation resource.
Refuge Opening Planned for Summer 2018
Visitor facility design is underway and the Refuge hopes to open Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge in Summer 2018.
For more information: Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge
Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge
9210 W 80th Ave, Arvada, CO 80005 (303) 289-0867
Two Ponds is the smallest urban unit in the National Wildlife Refuge System covering 72 acres and consisting of uplands, wetlands, and 3 small ponds. Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge serves as an oasis for wildlife and people throughout the Denver Metro area. It covers over 72 acres - 63 acres of uplands, 9 acres of wetlands, and 3 small ponds - which contain various species of native flora and fauna.
The setting was once characterized by plant communities of the High Plains - short-grass and mixed-grass prairie - however, livestock grazing and plowing of prairie sod for crops by European settlers altered the native plant and animal environment.
For more information: Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge
Colorado Junior Duck Stamp
Kids will love and learn by participating in the Colorado Junior Duck Stamp Conversation and Design Program. In 2017, Colorado approached a state record with almost 700 students participating in this program. This environmental educational activity is designed for all public, private, and home schooled students in grades K-12 to learn more about waterfowl and habitat conservation. Please participate today!
