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Arsenal
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Rocky Mountain
Arsenal National
Wildlife Refuge is
an island of wildlife
habitat sººoººººded
by a sea of urban
development.
Located ºn the heaſt
of Colorado, the
Refuge provides an
ºcellent ºpportunity |
or visitºrs to learºº
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about and enjoy º
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pºſe wººdlife and
pla
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Mule deer against the Denver skyline.
@W. Shatti/B. Rozinski

A Unique Refuge Prior to 1880, the Colorado landscape
east of the Rocky Mountains was
gentle, rolling swells of shortgrass
prairie. Through twists and turns of
history, the prairie was changed and
scarred. Part of the land that was
once inhabited by Plains Indians and
Designed by settlers was transformed into a
J.N. “Ding” chemical weapons manufacturing
Darling, this facility in 1942. As chemical weapons
blue goose production wound down at the
has become the war's end, part of the facility was
symbol of the leased to Shell Chemical Company
National Wildlife for the production of pesticides and
Refuge System. herbicides. Military and civilian
production ceased in 1982, and in
1987, environmental cleanup of the
Arsenal began in earnest and may
continue until 2011, funded by the
U.S. Army and the Shell Oil Company.
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Napalm bomb assembly line, August 1952.
In 1986, a communal roost of bald
eagles was discovered, prompting
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
to become deeply involved at this
facility. Public interest triggered an
intense and successful grassroots
effort to have the Arsenal declared
a National Wildlife Refuge.
Established by an act of Congress
in 1992, Rocky Mountain Arsenal
National Wildlife Refuge (NWR)
provides habitat for migratory birds
and other wildlife, and provides
environmental education and




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Bald e
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agles
wildlife-dependent recreation
opportunities for visitors. The
Refuge consists of nearly 17,000 acres
of open prairie for wildlife. In an effort
to return the land to a more natural
state, a large prairie restoration
project is underway.
Those who venture onto the Refuge
will, in fact, find refuge themselves.
A quick getaway from the city, the
Refuge provides a unique opportunity
to become immersed in nature. Sounds
of city traffic give way to chirps and
songs of birds and the wind rustling
through trees and grasses. Trails
meander through prairie, woodlands,
and wetlands, offering glimpses of
wildlife and plant life.
This is a place to enjoy, discover,
experience, and learn about the hidden
riches of the prairie. It is a place like
no other - one visit will not be enough.

Habitat
Management
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One of the primary objectives of the
Refuge is to restore and manage
the land to provide quality wildlife
habitat. Previous land uses, including
military and industrial operations
and farming, resulted in the loss
of native species and establishment
of non-native plants, including some
noxious weeds. Approximately 8,000
acres of disturbed land is being
restored with native prairie grasses,
wildflowers, and shrubs.
Blue grama is a native prairie grass.
Weeds are the major obstacle to
establishing native grasses. An
Integrated Pest Management
Program incorporates a variety of
mechanical, biological, and chemical
controls. Prescribed burning and
mowing are additional techniques
used to manage habitat.
f

Refuge Wildlife Surrounded by a city of 2 million
people, the pocket of land that is the
Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR
supports more than 330 species of
mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians,
and fish. From wintering bald
eagles to nesting burrowing owls,
an abundance of wildlife is available
for visitors to view during each
season of the year.
-- º - º
Burrowing Owls reside at the Refuge each summer:
The cheerful chorus of mountain
bluebirds, western tanagers, and
other migratory songbirds proclaim
the arrival of spring. Swainson's
hawks, lark buntings, northern Orioles,
and red-winged and yellow-headed
blackbirds make their annual spring
appearance. Prairie dog pups venture
out of their burrows, fawns emerge
from locust thickets, and great horned
owl chicks peek out from their nests.
Warm summer breezes flow through
fields of prairie grasses dotted with
flecks of colorful wildflowers in full
bloom. White pelicans can be seen
A swimming together, herding fish
into shallow water for a quick
meal. Perhaps the most
are the burrowing
Owls, which nest and
* raise their young
in abandoned prairie
dog burrows.
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A busy bee collects nectar from
blanket flower:










Bullsnakes are the most
numerous of all the reptiles.
Frogs, salamanders, and
turtles can be encountered
within the various wetlands.
# Known for being one of the
s best warm water catch-and-
* release fisheries in Colorado,
É the Refuge lakes produce
# º bluegill and largemouth bass.
* º Trees and shrubs, dressed
A mule deer in autumn hues of Orange,
buck strolls yellow, and gold, adorn lake edges.
through fall Refuge lakes provide a haven for
foliage. migrating ducks such as pintails,
shovelers, redheads, and lesser
scaup. Mule deer bucks and
white-tailed deer bucks with their
impressive antlers can be seen.
Coyº are the
“song dogs” of
the prairie.
Ferruginous hawks grapple over
their prey.
A blanket of winter snow covering
the prairie makes prey highly visible
to predators, including ferruginous
hawks and coyotes, which are attracted
to the Refuge's large population of
black-tailed prairie dogs. The large
number of majestic bald eagles that
return to the Refuge each winter is
a rewarding sight.




Wildlife Research
Throughout the year, mule deer can
be seen browsing on dried plants
and tender leaves while the more
reclusive white-tailed deer stay close
to the wooded areas. Keep watch on
prairie dog towns where coyotes
search burrows for prairie dogs and
other small mammals. Prairie dogs,
which manipulate the grasslands by
burrowing and grazing, are “keystone”
species because so many other
animals such as hawks, burrowing
owls, badgers, rattlesnakes, and bald
eagles depend on them for survival.
Wildlife research on the Refuge
increases our knowledge about
numerous resident and migrant
wildlife species. Refuge staff,
other governmental agencies, and
university researchers study the
effects of contaminants in wildlife
health, habitat restoration, and
the ecology of various species.
Studies are conducted on plants and
wildlife throughout the entire food
chain. Researchers investigate grasses,
fish and aquatic invertebrates, song
birds, deer, small mammals, and top
predators such as coyotes and raptors.
These investigations provide managers
with valuable information to manage
Refuge natural
resources and
ensure that
environmental
cleanup protects
wildlife.
Biologists use telemetry for
tracking wildlife.

Environmental Do fish have a sense of smell?
Education What happens to insects during the
winter? Why do prairie dogs jump,
yip, and bark? Children and adults
can learn the answers to these
questions and many more during
environmental
education programs at
the Refuge. The unique
history of this site and
its close proximity to a
large urban population
make it a great place
to teach children about
the connection among
all living things, the
environmental
, consequences of human
: activity, and the
Ž responsibility people
have to care for their
environment.
Two students are captivated by
their discovery
Through these programs, children
are introduced to the natural world
at the Refuge. Thousands of metro
area students have participated in
Refuge staff-guided programs since
1991. Training sessions and the
“Home Is Habitat” curriculum is
provided to teachers so they can lead
field trips for their classes. Education
partnerships have been established
with schools and conservation
organizations to help build long-term
relationships with students and instill
a sense of “ownership” in the Refuge.
A Time Capsule traveling education
kit, complete with activities, also is
available for classroom use.
“We do not inherit the
earth from our ancestors,
we borrow it
from our children.”
– SOURCE UNKNOWN

Rocky Mountain Arsenal
National Wildlife Refuge
Refuge Boundary • - - - Guided Tour Route
=TF Interstate Highway
U.S. Highway
State Highway
Visitor Center
[+] Viewing Areas
Amphitheater
C. Fishing Pier
-
.
Public Entrance
South Gate
56th Avenue
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[] Miles 4.
D Kilometers 4.
*
[E] Shuttle Stop A Shelter
I
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72nd Avenue
Staff/Service : - ;
Entrance : -, ;
West Gate +.
Lake Mary #º -
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Rocky
Mountain
Arsenal
Denver
... Rattlesnake Hill
... Trail and Overlook
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-------------
Lake
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Mary -In North
A.
Fishing’
Pierº
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...........[El.........................
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Floating
Boardwalk
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...' Amphitheater f
ador?
Denver
International
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:
Exploring Visitors can drop-in at the Refuge
and Enjoying each weekend, without making
the Refuge reservations, to take part in a variety
of wildlife observation and wildlife-
dependent recreation opportunities.
Bring your cameras and binoculars,
look closely, and uncover a sanctuary
rich with plants and animals. The
Refuge may be closed on short notice.
Please call before your visit for hours
of operation.
Hiking Trails Approximately 9 miles of interpretive
and recreational walking trails are
available seasonally for wildlife
viewing and photography. Refuge
trails take visitors along lake edges,
through prairie, shrubland, and
woodland settings.
Fishing Refuge lakes are a popular attraction
for anglers of all ages. Fishing for
largemouth bass,
channel catfish,
and bluegill
provides a great
opportunity for
anglers to get
“hooked.” From
April to October,
you can enjoy
catch-and-release
sport fishing.
Call the Refuge i.--~~~-lii tº
for the current This young angler
fishing schedule. is all smiles over
her catch.
Trolley-Tram All aboard!
Tours The 2 hour trolley-tram tour can be
a fun and interactive way to see the
Refuge. View wildlife while learning
about the site's history and cleanup.
Tours are by
- reservation only
- and are available
º º
º, º
f
º
year-round.
Visitors enjoy the open-air Refuge tour:


Nature
Programs
Special Events
Visitor Center
Accessibility
Hayrides, moonlit hikes, bike tours,
wildlife programs, and other special
presentations are offered at various
times year-round by reservation
only. Most programs provide a field
experience along with a short tour.
A number of special events are offered
at various times throughout the year.
One special event is the celebration of
National Wildlife Refuge Week each
October. This event offers fun for the
entire family with activities, programs,
tours, and live animal displays.
Have fun learning about nature
through interactive exhibits and crafts
found in the Wildlife Learning Lab.
A bee tree exhibit, complete with
active hives, allows visitors to learn
about honey bee behavior. Browse
through the bookstore and gift shop
for that special reminder of your visit.
For additional information about
wildlife programs or to make program
reservations, call the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service at 303/289 0930.
Equal opportunity to participate
in and benefit from programs and
activities of the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service is available to all
individuals regardless of physical
or mental ability. Dial 7-1-1 for a
free connection to the state transfer
relay service for TTY and voice calls
to and from the speech and hearing
impaired. For more information or
to address accessibility needs,
please contact the Refuge staff at
303/2890232 or the U.S. Department
of the Interior, Office of Equal
Opportunity, 1849 C Street, NW,
Washington, D.C. 20240.
Refuge Visitor safety and wildlife conservation
Regulations are top priorities at the Refuge.
Access onto the Refuge is carefully
controlled because of the on-going
environmental cleanup. At times,
sections of the Refuge may be closed
due to wildlife needs or other projects.
Please follow these guidelines to
ensure the continued protection of the
Refuge's natural resources and to help
make your visit safe and enjoyable.
Please m Obey posted speed limits; wildlife
Remember To: is sometimes near and on roads.
m Protect habitat by parking in
designated areas only.
m Take your litter off the Refuge
and dispose of it properly.
m Stay on designated trails.
º º
A j over the Refuge's Lake I,
--~~~~
adora.
The Following In Hunting, boating, camping,
Are Prohibited: picnicking.
In Pets, with exception of aid dogs.
In Collecting, removing, or
disturbing any animal, plant,
or historical object.
- Possession of controlled
substances or alcoholic
beverages.
In Possession of firearms
Or Weapons.






Opportunities Volunteers are our connections to
to Volunteer our neighboring communities. Many
volunteers donate their time because
they care about our natural resources.
Volunteers conduct public use and
environmental education programs,
assist with wildlife and habitat
management projects, trail and
facilities maintenance, and perform
clerical and administrative duties.
Volunteers also assist the Refuge's
non-profit cooperating association,
The Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife
Society, formed to help the Refuge
fulfill its mission.
You can become a valuable resource
in your community by joining our
volunteer team. It’s a great way
to make a difference! For more
information, contact the Volunteer
Coordinator at 303 / 2890232.
º - -
A Refuge volunteer teaches students
about animal adaptations.

Rocky Mountain Arsenal
National Wildlife Refuge
Building 111
Commerce City, CO 80022-1748
303 / 2890232
303 / 289 0.579 Fax.
http://rockymountainarsenal ſws.gov
For State transfer relay service
TTY / Voice: 711
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
http://www.ſws.gov
For Refuge Information
1 800/344 WILD
September 2003
7 CONSERVATION
SITY OF MICHIGAN
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8543 4788
T.
Black-tailed Prairie Dogs
GW. ShattiſB. Rozinski