Free Family Event Celebrates Arvada's Trails and Wildlife June 5, 2010

9th Annual Arvada Trails Day

A Free Family Event Celebrates Arvada's Trails and Wildlife

Get Close To Nature

“Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.”

Frank Lloyd Wright

On Saturday, June 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Arvada celebrates National Trails Day 2010 hosted at Majestic View Nature Center, 7030 Garrison St. and at Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge (the smallest urban wild life refuge in the U.S.), W. 80th Ave. just east of Kipling.

This free outdoor celebration coincides with National Trails Day and features a 5K walk, a 20-mile bicycle ride, nature exhibits, live animal presentations, an Eco-Fair, free food and more. Parking is available at Majestic View Nature Center and the Medical Center parking lot on the northeast corner of 80th and Kipling.

The Arvada Festivals Commission was awarded a Colorado Governor's Energy Office Event Support Grant to use for Arvada Trails Day activities. The $1,000 grant is awarded to events in Colorado that feature sustainability themes and activities. With the grant money, the Festivals Commission purchased sturdy recycling bins to encourage recycling at all Festivals Commission events. Also from the grant money the Commission purchased shower timers to be given to Trails Day attendees to promote water conservation.

Planners for the Trails Day celebration are working closely with the City of Arvada's Arvada Sustainability Action Plan (A.S.A.P.) to focus Arvada Trails Day on educational and entertaining exhibits that featured conservation and eco-friendly activities that can easily be practiced by Arvada citizens.

People of all ages can enjoy:

· A 5K trail walk with a park naturalist along historic canal trails connecting Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge and Majestic View Nature Center. Meet at Two Ponds (on 80th Avenue just east of Kipling) at 10:15 AM for a 10:30 AM departure (park at the medical center at the corner of 80th and Kipling);

· A 20-mile recreational bicycle ride along Ralston and Little Dry Creeks, Spring Mesa, and Five Parks Village trails. The ride includes an expert guide, a map, a snack stop, lunch, and a couple of well-placed changes in elevation. The Denver Bicycle Touring Club sponsors the ride. Helmets are required. Participants should meet at the Majestic View Park, 72nd Ave. just west of Carr St, at 8:45 a.m. for a 9:00 a.m. departure;.

· At Majestic View Nature Center, activities include live animal presentations, nature exhibits, Eco-Fair; Arvada trails information, and kids’ environmental activities. Parking is available at Majestic View Nature Center and the Community Park on 72nd just west of Carr;

· At Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge (80th Avenue just east of Kipling) enjoy live raptors, environmental education displays and activities, self-guided nature walks, and information booths from several environmental organizations. Parking is available on-site and at the medical center at 80th and Kipling;

· Snack on free hot dogs cooked and served by members of the Arvada Fire Protection District and take the free shuttle service between Majestic View Nature Center and Two Ponds.



At Majestic View Nature Center (7030 Garrison Street):

• The dedication of the new demonstration garden planted to educate visitors about resource conservation, and the dedication of a new portion of the Habitat Trail starting a 10:00 a.m.
• The introduction of the Arvada Sustainable Action Plan (A.S.A.P.) with an exhibit that gives information about the City’s commitment to environmental sustainability
• Live animal and raptor presentations by HawkQuest and the Denver Zoo;
• Nature exhibits and workshops, trails information, kids’ environmental activities and entertainment
• Community booths with information and entertainment (including Mad Science and an animal artist);
• An eco-fair with sustainable exhibits and vendors including energy efficiency, water quality and conservation, waste recycling; energy rebates and energy audits, renewable energy, alternative fuel vehicles, solar energy displays, and energy efficient goods and services..
At Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge (80th Avenue just east of Kipling):

• Live raptors from the Birds of Prey Foundation;
• Displays of wild animal contraband;
• Environmental and wetlands conservation education displays and activities;
• Self-guided nature walks;
• Displays by the Colorado Department of Wildlife, Wild Birds Unlimited, and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science
• Performances by Mr. Bones, the 12 foot walking, talking dinosaur and Teddy Roosevelt
Trail Days is produced by Arvada Festivals Commission, Majestic View Nature Center, Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge and the Arvada Parks Advisory Committee. 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 or online at www.arvadafestivals.com.

9th Annual Arvada Trails Day

Discover Arvada’s world-class trails and parks with day long special events and activities.

Saturday, June 5, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Majestic View Nature Center, 7030 Garrison St. and

Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge, West 80th 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 arvadafestivals.com.