6th Annual Arvada "Celebrates Its Trails" Day
"Join us on the Trails"
A
Free Family Event Celebrates Arvada's Trails and Wildlife
"When we walk we naturally go to the fields and woods; what would become of us ifwe walked only in a garden or a mall?" from
Walking by
Henry David Thoreau.
Deer trails, cow paths, foot paths and wagon trails. The introduction of the automobile changed us; up until the last 100 years the majority of Americans traveled, mostly, on foot.
On June 7 Arvada celebrates National Trails Day 2008 hosted at Majestic View Nature Center and Community Park, 7030 Garrison St. and at Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge, W. 80th Ave. just east of Kipling. This year's theme is "Join us on the Trails."
From 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. this free family fun event celebrates Arvada's extensive trail system and the bountiful natural resources found within the 70+ acres of the nation's smallest wildlife refuge within Arvada's boundaries. For kids and adults, it's a chance to get close to nature and explore some of Arvada's 125 miles of trails as well as Two Ponds' microcosm of wildlife habitat.
Planned and produced by the Arvada Festivals Commission, Arvada Park Advisory Committee, staff of Majestic View and Two Ponds, with the help of many volunteers, the event is expected to draw over 1,000 participants who will hike and bike along Arvada's trail system; learn about Colorado's wildlife from programs and exhibits; explore nature; and join the environmental activities and kids fun activities. It's a chance to visit two large nature facilities in Arvada, as well as discover and enjoy some of Arvada's world-class trails system.
Majestic View Nature Center, 7030 Garrison St
Events kick off at 8:45 a.m. at Majestic View with a 22-mile bicycle tour hosted by the Denver Bicycle Touring club. Explore new trails with the Denver Bicycle Touring Club leading a 22-mile recreational bicycle ride in Spring Mesa above Leyden Canyon. Participants should meet in the Majestic View Park north parking lot on W 72 nd Ave, just west of Carr Street, at 8:45 a.m.
Majestic View Nature Center's 80-acre park is a valuable resource, providing environmental education and awareness of our natural resources. The park now encompasses over 80 acres, which includes wetland areas, the interpretive trail, prairie grasses, and an assortment of wildlife. The 3,000 square-foot Nature Center features hands-on nature and environmental displays, wildlife exhibits, classrooms, and meeting space. Learn about water conservation, food chains and take home a nature craft from the Kid's Nook.
Majestic View Nature Center will feature live animal shows from Denver Zoo, HawkQuest, and Butterfly Pavilion; many environmental exhibits including water education, natural history, and Arvada trails information; kid's activities and much more.
Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge and Majestic View Nature Center, West 80 th Ave east of Kipling St.
Located at West 80th Avenue just east of Kipling Street and tucked away in the middle of the bustling city, Two Ponds 72-acre wildlife refuge is home to coyotes, fox and many bird species.
A guided 5k walk will be conducted along the historic canal trails that connect Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge and Majestic View Nature Center at 10:30 a.m. (Please meet at Two Ponds at 10:15 a.m.) Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge activities include a variety of environmental education displays and activities for kids and adults; live raptors; self-guided nature walks; wildlife contraband; and informational booths from several local organizations.
Exhibitors include;
· Colorado Division of Wildlife's Rivers
· A Mazing! Human Walk-Through River Maze
· Jefferson Conservation District's Stream Table
· City of Boulder's H2O Joe Balloon
· The Environmental Protection Agency Wetlands Booth
· City of Arvada Water Quality Booth
· Hawk Quest
· Butterfly Pavilion
· Mad Science
· Denver Zoo
· U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
· Two Ponds Preservation Foundation
· Birds Of Prey Foundation
· Colorado Division of Wildlife
· Wild Birds Unlimited
· Performances by "Teddy Roosevelt" and "Mr. Bones" throughout the day
This year's event will feature a free hotdog barbecue at both locations and a free shuttle service provides transportation between the two facilities.
The City of Arvada offers 140 parks and 125 miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails. For more information contact the Festivals Commission at 720-898-7400, Majestic View at 720-898-7405 or Two Ponds at 303-289-0867 or visit
www.arvada.org click on arts & recreation, click on Festivals Commission or go to
www.arvadafestivals.com.
6th Annual "Join us on the Trails" Day
Discover Arvada's world-class trails and parks with day long special events, activities and prize drawings
Saturday, June 7, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Majestic View Nature Center, 7030 Garrison St. and
Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge, West 80 th Ave east of Kipling St.
Free and open to the public
Free shuttles will run regularly between both sites and complimentary refreshments will be available at both locations.
For more information, call 720-898-7400 or Arvada.org or arvadafestivals.com.