10th Annual Arvada Trails Day June 4, 2011

10th Annual Arvada Trails Day
A Free Family Event Celebrating Arvada's Trails and Wildlife
"You're off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So... get on your way!"
Dr. Seuss (Oh, The Places You’ll Go)
Get outside and get happy! Whether you hike or jump on a bike, pack up the family, grab a camera and spend the day! The 10th annual Arvada Trails Day takes place on June 4, 2011. An outdoor experience made with all the natural ingredients - and oh the things you’ll see!
On Saturday, June 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Arvada celebrates National Trails Day 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.
Event Coordinator Dave Olson says, "This free day of learning and moving is always enjoyable for families and individuals in the community. Everyone finds a way to enjoy this summer day. Last year over 1,000 enthusiastic participants enjoyed celebrating Arvada’s 125 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails which are among the best in the region. People of all ages participate, with many three-generation families coming together to learn and enjoy the day."
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 Park parking lot near
72nd Ave and Carr St and the Medical Center parking lot on the northeast corner of 80th and Kipling.
Families and individuals of all ages can enjoy:
• Two 5K guided trail walks along historic canal trails connecting Two Ponds and Majestic View. Meet at Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge at 10:15 a.m. for 10:30 a.m. departure or meet at Majestic View Nature Center at 10:45 a.m. for 11 a.m. start.
• A 20-mile recreational bicycle ride west along Van Bibber Creek Trail, north on the new Blunn Trail connector and returning east on Ralston Creek Trail. The ride includes an expert guide, map, and lunch stop. Helmets are required. Meet at Majestic Park parking lot on W. 72nd Ave. (just west of Carr Street) at 8:45 a.m. for a 9:00 a.m. departure.
The Majestic View Nature Center encompasses over 80 acres, which includes a lake and wetland areas, an interpretive trail, prairie grasses and an assortment of wildlife. At Majestic View Nature Center enjoy:
• Live animal presentations by the Denver Zoo and the Butterfly Pavilion;
• Nature exhibits and activities inside the Nature Center; .
• An eco-fair with exhibits featuring kids’ activities, native animals and plants, trails and park information, energy efficiency, water quality and conservation, waste recycling, energy rebates and audits, renewable energy, alternative fuel vehicles, solar power displays, and other booths to inspire and educate.
• Majestic View Demonstration Garden features water conserving plants where residents can find elements that may work in their own landscapes.　
Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge consists of approximately 72 acres, with 63 acres of upland habitat and 9 acres of wetlands. The habitat supports over 100 different species of birds. At Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge enjoy:
• Live raptors from the Birds of Prey Foundation.
• Environmental and wetlands conservation education displays and activities. Self-guided nature walks.
• Displays by the Colorado Department of Wildlife, Wild Birds Unlimited, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and other groups.
• Performances by Mr. Bones, the 12 foot walking, talking dinosaur; and Teddy Roosevelt.
"Trails Day is a day of fun exploration for all ages. Discover a new trail walk, a great idea from the Eco-Fair, or just enjoy nature in two beautiful settings in Arvada," suggests Karen Miller, Majestic View Nature Center Director.
Trail Days is produced by Arvada Festivals Commission, Majestic View Nature Center, Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge and the Arvada Parks Advisory Committee. This event is a collaboration among many community groups and many volunteers who make the day fun for all. Last year over 640 hours of combined paid staff and volunteer time went into planning and producing this event. For more information contact the Festivals Commission at 720-898-7400 or online at www.arvadafestivals.com.
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