In our last newsletter, we told you about a $7,500 grant the Foundation received from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. This grant is for the Prairie Links Project, which is being completed in cooperation with the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Society. This project includes olanting native vegetation near the main entrance to the Refuge on 80th Avenue, and installing educational signage and a rubbing table. This grant requires 100 percent matching funds. Consequently, we have been busy identifying potential sources for the matching funds. So far, the City of Arvada has agreed to provide some in-kindservices and materials. The City will be helping us primarily with the landscape design. We also hope to have volunteer labor help with the planting and installation of the signs. We need just about $3,000 more to complete the match. If you have any ideas for matching funds or services, contact Janet at 303-423-2069.

VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR NEEDED!!!

We are still looking for a volunteer coordinator. There are many volunteers wanting to help us, but we need a coordinator to keep everyone organized. If you like people and would like to become involved in your community, please call Janet at 303-423-2069.

NEED A PRESENTATION? HOW ABOUT ONE ON THE REFUGE?

The Foundations would like to come to your group's meeting (school, church or communtiy organization) and give a presentation about the Refuge. We have about a 30 minute presentation that highlights the Refuge and the educational activities held at the Refuge. To make arrangements for a presentation, contact Rich at 303-421-5101.

SHIRTS! SHIRTS! SHIRTS!

The Two Ponds Preservation Foundation T-shirts (AND NOW SWEATSHIRTS) are available for purchase, or if you make a gift of $50 or more to the Foundation, you can still receive a FREE T-SHIRT. (SUPPLY OF FREE T-SHIRTS IS LIMITED, SO HURRY!) T-shirts cost $18.00 ($20.00 for xxlrg) and sweatshirts are $25.00 (xxlrg not available except by special order).

The sale of these shirts is a major factor in our fund-raising activities. Thus far, we have sold shirts totaling just over $1,900. The shirt is a top quality 99% pre-shrunk cotton by Hanes with artwork specailly designed for the Foundation by Byron Wight of Arvada. Stop by any of the kiosks at the Refuge to preview the T-shirt. The sweatshirt is also a Hanes product with the same artwork.

You can place your order by calling Paul at 303-423-8555 or mail your order and check payable to The Two Ponds Preservation Foundation to the address listed in this newsletter [on the order form]. We deliver at no extra cost, and there is no sales tax (The Foundation is tax-exempt.)

ANNUAL MEETING - MARCH 28TH

The Two Ponds Preservation Foundation will conduct its annual meeting on March 28 in the meeting room at the STANDLEY LAKE LIBRARY. A reception with refreshments will begin at 6:30 pm, and the meeting will begin at 7:00 pm. There will be a brief review to date of the various GRANTs and other fund-raising activities, and a discussion about the upcoming JUNE 2 OPEN HOUSE, Trails Day, etc., followed by a special program by Dave Menough entitled BIRDS IN YOUR BACKYARD. Dave is the proprietor of the business, Wild Birds Unlimited, located at 7677 West 88th Avenue (88th and Wadsworth).

The meeting will conclude with an election of the Foundation board members for the coming year. Anyone interested in running for the board positions, or being appointed to the following offices should contact John at 303-423-8085: President, 1st Vice-President, 2nd Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

RANGER'S RAMBLINGS by Park Ranger, David Jamiel

Last October it was a race between the onset of winter weather and the compeltion of the parking lot at Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge. As is usually the case, Mother Nature prevailed, bringing sub-freezing temperatures that froze the ground before the asphalt could be laid or the concrete work could be completed. The work will resume sometime in late March or early April 2001. Once the work begins, it should only take about two to three weeks to complete.

When completed, the parking lot will accomodate twenty-six vehicles, including two handicapped accessible spots and room for two buses. A two-foot high decorative wall will be constructed along the parking lot sidewalk. A prairie garden will be planted between the wall and the chain link fence. Six benches will be installed at the entry area in front of the kiosk on 80th Avenue and two more benches will be placed at two overlooks inside the Refuge.

To complete the parking lot project three informational panels will be installed at the 80th Avenue kiosk, a fourth at the gate on 77th Avenue, and a fifth one at the bridge across from the Lutheran Medical Center. Finally, engraved bricks will be laid on front ofthe 80th Avenue kiosk as soon as the asphalt is laid. Hopefully, everything will be in place by June 2, 2001, in time for the annual Trails Day celebration.

After the completion of the parking lot, the Service will probably open the east side of the Refuge on a more frequent basis. Last summer the east side of the Refuge was open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:00am to 2:00 pm. This year, the Service is looking at opening Monday through Friday from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, and Saturday Mornings. The exact time and days will be made public once they are finalized.

Delays in the completion of the parking lot also set back the Service's ability to bring school groups and tours onto the Refuge. Last year over 1,400 student from twenty schools from around the Denver area took part in programs at Two Ponds. These programs were led by Service staff, volunteers and staff from the Colorado Wildlife Federation. This year's programs are scheduled to begin on March 4th. If you have a group that you would like to bring to the Refuge, contact David Jamiel at 303-289-0471.

THIRTEENTH EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT COMPLETED AT REFUGE

On January 20th, Mr. Brad Lothland completed his Eagle Scout project at the Refuge. Brad's Project, the thirteenth completed at the Refuge, was completed in 25 to 30 degree weather, making it the only winter Eagle project ever done at the Refuge. Fifteen people braved the cold to remove an old staircase that connected the Service's irrigation control gate on the Farmers' High Line Canal tot he canal service road. The original staircase was built by an Ameri-corps work crew in 1996. The new staircase was then constructed in the same, providing safer access to the control gate. Good job Brad!

The materials for the project were furnished by Mr. Howard Lunger, Manager of the Westminster "Home Depot" store. Thank you Mr. Lunger for your support of the Scout project, and the Two Ponds National Wildlife refuge.

WHAT TO DO WITH A BACKYARD POND by Stacey Box

Backyard ponds are becoming commonplace these days. Don't be fooled into thinking they are easier to care for than the rest of your landscaping. All ponds require effort to achieve gratifying results. The following are some tips for keeping your pond looking great.

First, you should try to keep all debris including vegetative litter (e.g. leaves) out of your pond. This litter increases the amount of organic "muck" at the bottom of your pond, the decomposition of which can cause anoxic conditions dangerous to any fish in your pond and can create that foul rotton egg odor. The best way to remove vegetative litter is to use a pool skimmer and use it often. Clean out your pond at least once a week and more often if you have a lot of plants around your pond and in the fall.

Adding a bacterial plant can help keep your water clear of algea and also assist with the digestion of the anoxic layer of muck on the bottom of your pond. Bacteria is commercially available in both liquid and powder forms. Both forms have advantages and disadvantages - you may need to experiment with different brands to find tha one that works best in your pond. Be sure to read the label of the product you buy so you are using an active bacteria, not just an enzyme. Bacterial products are usually available at stores that carry pond products.

Every year or two, depending on the size of your pond, you should completely clean out your pond. Drain your pond (be sure to remove any fish before you do this). Rinse the sides of the pond and remove any material from the bottom of the pond. Removal can be achieved by using a wet/dry vac or simply scooping out the material. this material is usually nutrient rich, so it can be used as a fertilizer in your terrestrial gardens. This is a dirty task, but someone has to do it!

We hope this information is helpful for those of you with backyard ponds. Good luck, and enjoy!