The Two Ponds Preservation Foundation has been working diligently since April 2000 on raising funds for various projects at the Refuge. Several of those projects are now in place, namely, the kiosks and interpretive panels at each of the three entrances to the Refuge; prairie grass, tree and shrub plantings around the new parking lot and the prairie garden located just inside the main entrance; the benches, bricks and mortar that make up the entry walk from the parking lot to the main entrance; and a new Foundation brochure. Your private contributions along with grant funds from Colorado State Parks, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service helped make these projects possible. Special recognition to Tim Cook and Cogan Construction for their donation of labor, material and equipment for the brick walkway installation.

Those of you who purchased engraved bricks or flagstones and have not visited the Refuge since the June Open House, your engraved pieces are now part of the walkway from the parking lot to the main entrance. Stop by, have a look and take pride in your contribution

The next major projects at the Refuge, pending final decisions by the Fish and Wildlife Service,likely will be the pedestrian bridges across the canals and some trail improvements. Easements from the canal companies and other administrative procedures by the Service have been initiated, however, construction is not apt to begin until probably 2002.

PARK RANGER RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD

Park ranger Dave Jamiel at Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge was awarded the REFUGE EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR AWARD by the National Wildlife Refuge Association at a banquet ceremony in Washington, D.C. in April.
CONGRATULATIONS DAVE!

KUDOS TO THE CITY OF ARVADA

The City of Arvada has been a strong partner with the Refuge and the Foundation since the very beginning of the Refuge. Without their support, much would not have been possible. They have been especially helpful this past year during the final planning and while the parking lot and other projects have been under construction. Our special thanks to Mike Lee, Joe Eades, Kim Grant, Steve Wyant, and Pat Dougherty. They provided guidance on grants, landscape and trail design, plants, educational programs and much more. We at Two Ponds are very fortunate to have these city employees who are so willing to share their knowledge and expertise.

REFUGE PAYS TAXES

Jefferson County received a check for $15,968 in lieu of real estate taxes for Two Ponds National Wildlife. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued the check in June for the year 2000. Although federal lands are tax exempt, National Wildlife Refuge lands fall under special federal legislation that requires Fish and Wildlife Service pay annually, in lieu of taxes, three-fourths of one percent of the appraised value of the refuge lands. The appraised value is updated every five years, and there are no restrictions on how the County can spend the money, i.e. the County can use the funds for any county purpose.

EPA GRANT

The Foundation recently received a $5,000 grant from the US Environmental Protection Agency. This grant is for the Prairie Links project, emphasizing the importance of native vegetation. A match of $1,667 is required for this grant. The native vegetation, or prairie garden, has already been planted near the main entrance to the Refuge. A rubbing table, featuring four native plants, will be installed soon near the prairie garden. Other funding for this project was received from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The City of Arvada also supported this project by helping with the landscape plan and obtaining the native plants.

KID'S CORNER by Stephen, 4th Grade

The Sierra Elementary fourth grade classes went to the Two Ponds National Wildlife refuge on May 9, 2001. We saw several different things like two black-crowned night herons, three fox dens, a painted turtle, and lots of bullfrogs. I thought the most interesting thing we saw was a 5-foot long bull snake. We learned about how birds migrate and how difficult it is. Lots of birds die during the migration because of storms, predators and power lines. We also learned about pelts and how animals keep themselves warm. We saw a magpie nest. Because the magpie has such a long tail, its nest must have two holes, one in the front and one in the back, so the magpie can fit inside its nest.

Two ponds is a very special place and it is in our neighborhood!

RANGER'S RAMBLINGS by Park Ranger, David Jamiel

"Build it and they will come!" That was the phrase used in the motion picture, "Field of Dreams," that drove Kevin Costner's character to build a baseball field in the middle of an Iowa cornfield. "Build it and they will come," seems also to apply to Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge.

The final bricks for the refuge entry were laid the night before the June 2, 2001 parking lot dedication and annual Trails Day celebration. Approximately 50 people were on hand for the lot dedication and to hear remarks from U.S. Congressman Mark Udall, and officials from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), the City of Arvada and the President of the Two Ponds Preservation Foundation. During the 4 hours following the dedication over 700 people took part in educational activities sponsored by the Service, Colorado Wildlife Federation, Colorado Division of Wildlife, EPA, North Jeffco Parks and Recreation, the Butterfly Pavilion, Prairie Dog Specialists and the Two Ponds Preservation Foundation.

On June 30, 2001 the eastern half of the Refuge was opened to the public. The summer hours will be Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00am to 4:00 pm and Saturday from 11:00am to 7:00pm. Attendance during drop in days has been averaging 40 to 50 people. Stop in and walk the self-guided nature trail or just walk around and enjoy the sight and sound of nature. The Refuge is also available for group tours and scout leader workshops by contacting the Service at (303)289-0232.

The west side of the Refuge continues to be open 7 days per week from dawn to dusk. With the increase in use, it is important to remember a few things that will help the Service care for the Refuge. Stay on the trails, keep all pets on a leash, and if you bring a snack on your walk please make sure you take the wrappers and food remnants with you. If you are biking and want to enter the Refuge, please walk your bike while on site. Fire danger is always high this time of year; please; no fires of any kind on the Refuge.

Two Ponds continues to develop and these changes are attracting more and more attention for the Refuge. The Service must balance this increased use with our responsibility to protect the Refuge’s natural resources. Your cooperation following Refuge regulations will assist the Service in doing this and assure that a visit to Two Ponds will be a pleasant experience.

EAGLE SCOUT PROJECTS

In May of this year two more Boy Scouts completed their Eagle Scout projects at Two Ponds. The Scouts are Devon Reams, Troop 476, Arvada and Mark Menough, Troop 646, Littleton. Devon constructed 14 marker posts and placed them at strategic locations within the Refuge. The stops are highlighted by a brochure that was written 2 years ago by a fifth grade science class from Mount Carbon Elementary School in Denver. Each stop along the trail is numbered and corresponds to numbered sections in the brochure that describe features of each stop.

Mark Menough and his volunteers placed landscaping edging and wood chips around the trees and shrubs along the fence near the Refuge entry/kiosk on 80th Avenue. This project will assist in reducing weed growth and enhance the appearance of the entry area. in addition to the landscaping work, Mark constructed a portable photo blind. the blind was used on June 2nd for the first time during the annual Trails Day celebration. It will allow school groups and tour participants to use a telescope to get a close look at the birds and other wildlife that use the middle pond, and do it without disturbing the animals.

Scott and Mark’s projects are the fourteenth and fifteenth Eagle Scout projects to be completed at Two Ponds. Thanks scouts for all the great work!

BEST LIQUID ASSET?

Two Ponds and David Jamiel, Refuge Ranger, made Westword’s Best of Denver list this year as the Best Liquid Asset!

VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

Yes, the Foundation finally has a volunteer coordinator. Laurie Primavera has volunteered to coordinate the activities of our great volunteers.

Upcoming events needing volunteers include the Harvest Festival (participating in the parade and working at the booth), SCFD Day at the Zoo (working at the booth), and organizing a poster/essay contest. If you are interested in participating in any of these activities, contact laurie at 303-431-0662.