Nature programs in Commerce City; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

May 20

Disappearing Treasures! Friday, May 20, 10:00 – 11:30 am or 2:00 – 3:30 pm Celebrate Endangered Species Day with a rare opportunity to tour the National Eagle and Wildlife Property Repository. See wildlife items that have been confiscated at our ports and find out about the black market wildlife trade. You will also learn about the Native American Eagle Feather Program. For reservations call 303-287-2110 ext 227 (Education Specialist) or send an e-mail to repository@fws.gov. Adults, and kids 12 and older, are welcomehttp://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/Wild%20News%20Web.pdf

May 20

The Masked Bandit Fri., May 20, Sat., May 28 & June 18, 10:00 – 10:45 am Join a naturalist and meet the Refuge’s live black-footed ferrets. Discover how this fragile species was brought back from the brink of extinction and why ferrets were released into the wild at the Refuge. You’ll also get a chance to see the ferrets have their mid-morning snack!http://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/Wild%20News%20Web.pdf

May 21

Planting for Pollinators Saturday, May 21 & June 18, 9:30 – 11:30 am Assist Refuge staff by enhancing habitat for pollinators by planting native wildflowers along the Lake Ladora trail. These plants will provide an ongoing nectar source for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Be ready to work outdoors for 1-1.5 hours, wear closed toe shoes, bring water, and sunscreen.http://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/Wild%20News%20Web.pdf

May 21

Photo Workshop Saturday, May 21, 10:00 – 11:30 am By popular request, join professional photographer Peter Eades in this workshop about his favorite photography experiences from the Refuge and around the West, and techniques and approaches for getting the most out of nature photography.http://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/Wild%20News%20Web.pdf

May 28

Hike-N-Bird Saturday, May 28, 9:00 – 11:30 am Friday, June 10, 9:00 – 11:30 am Calling all birders from novice to expert. Look for the Refuge’s feathered friends while getting some exercise! This hike explores woodland, wetland, and prairie habitats. Please be comfortable hiking up to 3 miles.http://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/Wild%20News%20Web.pdf

June 18

Owls Underground Saturday, June 18 & 25, 9:00 – 10:30 am Sunday, June 19 & 26, 9:00 – 10:30 am What a hoot! Join a naturalist for a short presentation about the charismatic, spindly-legged burrowing owl. Then spend time in the field observing their behavior and their emerging owlets!http://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/Wild%20News%20Web.pdf

June 23

Nature Tots Magnificent Monarchs! Thursday June 23, 10:00 – 11:00 am Did you know butterflies taste with their feet, and smell and navigate with their antennae! See what it’s like to be a magnificent monarch as we act out their lifecycle, learn how they use and move their bodies, and change from a caterpillar to a butterfly. We’ll even search for milkweed and butterfly nectar in our Refuge garden. For kids ages 3 to 5 years old.http://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/Wild%20News%20Web.pdf