11th Annual Arvada Trails Day June 2, 2012

11th Annual Arvada Trails Day

A Free Family Event Celebrating Arvada's Trails and Wildlife

“No one left inside!”

"If you are seeking creative ideas, go out walking. Angels whisper to a man when he goes for a walk."

- Raymond Inmon

Enjoy an outdoor experience made with all the natural ingredients. The 11th annual Arvada Trails Day takes place on Saturday, June 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as Arvada celebrates National Trails Day hosted at Majestic View Nature Center, 7030 Garrison St. and at Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge, W. 80th Ave. just east of Kipling.

This family-friendly event celebrates two significant anniversaries and years of teaching the adventures of nature and eco-friendly practices to thousands of people from all over the region by Majestic View Nature Center (ten years) and Two Ponds Wildlife Refuge (twenty years). This free outdoor celebration coincides with National Trails Day and features walks, bicycle rides, nature exhibits, live animal presentations, an Eco-Fair, free food and more.

"Last year over 1,000 enthusiastic people enjoyed celebrating at the festival. This free day is always enjoyable for families and individuals in the community." stated Dave Olson, event co-coordinator.

Majestic View Director Karen Miller says, “It’s a day of fun exploration to discover a new trail or just enjoying nature in two of Arvada's beautiful settings.”

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. There is a Free shuttle service between the two centers.

Celebrating outdoor adventure, families and individuals of all ages can enjoy:

• Two 5K trail walks with a park naturalist along historic canal trails connecting Two Ponds and Majestic View. Meet at 10:15 for a 10:30 departure at either Two Ponds (on 80th Avenue just east of Kipling) or at Majestic View (7030 Garrison Street).

• A 20 mile free recreational bike ride guided by Denver Bicycle Touring Club. For this “rough ride” meet at 8:45 a.m. at Majestic View Community Park north parking lot (west of 72nd and Carr) for a 9:00 a.m. prompt departure and travel along Van Bibber Creek, Blunn and Ralston Creek Trails. The ride includes brochure and map, Kodak moment, expert guide, port-a-potties, great scenery, a couple of well-placed changes in elevation, and a free gift. Helmets are required. No registration required.

• A 6 mile free family-friendly self-guided bike ride, sponsored by the Denver Bicycle Touring Club. Meet at Majestic View Community Park at 9:15 a.m. for a 9:30 a.m. prompt departure and travel to Two Ponds and return. Helmets are required; registration is not required. Call Bill Orchard (303-929-5788) for more information on both rides.

• Anniversary celebrations at both sites with free and hot dogs cooked and served by Arvada Fire Protection District members and free ice-cream.

At Majestic View Nature Center (7030 Garrison Street), enjoy:

• Anniversary comments by Mayor Marc Williams at 11:40 a.m.

• Kids and adults will enjoy the 24’ climbing tower

• Drawings for bicycle helmets and refurbished bicycles

• Live animal presentations by the Denver Zoo;

• Petting and learning about the young alpacas from Ancient Treasures ranch;

• Bicycle Tune-up, Fix Up Center. Bring your bikes for free minor tune-ups;

• Mad Science’s zany demonstrations;

• Nature and outdoor exhibits, workshops and trails information;

• Kids’ environmental and craft activities and a face painter;

• An eco-fair with exhibits and demonstrations; and

• Entertaining music for the festive mood.

At Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge (80th Avenue just east of Kipling; the smallest urban wild life refuge in the U.S.) enjoy:

· 20th Anniversary Re-dedication Ceremony will begin at 11:30 a.m. The ceremony will include a Color Guard presentation by Scouts as well as keynote and guest speakers

• Live raptors from the Birds of Prey Foundation;

• Environmental education displays and activities;

• Exhibits by Colorado Division of Wildlife and Wild Birds Unlimited;

• Wildlife contraband viewing;

• Wildlife photography;

• Two Ponds Art Contest;

• Interactive poetry and performances by Teddy Roosevelt;

• Kids’ activities including educational offerings from Mad Science and a face painter;

• Self-guided nature walks on the Refuge trail system; and

• Performances by Mr. Bones, the 12 foot walking, talking dinosaur;

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 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.