Tours to view bison, hayrides, singing cowboys and Aztec dancers are among the activities and entertainment celebrating National Wildlife Refuge Week and the American West on Oct. 18 at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge.
The free event, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., is a celebration of nature that features something for everyone, says Sherry James, spokeswoman. “I’ve been doing this for a lot of years and this is the biggest one we’ve ever had,” she said.
Among the popular draws are hayrides and tours to see the refuge’s herd of 26 bison. Reservations are required for the rides (call 303-289-0930). Bison from the National Bison Range in Montana were released at the refuge in March of 2007, and the herd is growing. The Fish and Wildlife Service is monitoring the effects bison have on the prairie ecosystem to determine the role bison will play in managing the Superfund site, a former chemical-weapons arsenal.
Among the other wildlife that visitors might be able to spot on the tours are mule deer and white tail deer, coyotes, prairie dogs and hawks, according to James. It’s time for fowl migrations, so ducks, herons and geese should also be present. The refuge has a pair of nesting eagles, as well, James said.
Among the other attractions for the day are Buffalo Soldiers performing mounted cavalry drills and cowboy wrangler demonstrations. The city of Aurora is sponsoring “PredaTOURs,” an activity featuring guitars shaped like animals and the chance for children to play the instruments and learn about wildlife. Entertainment will include Ron Ball, the singing cowboy, a square- dance exhibition and The Wild Coyotes Band.
Suzanne S. Brown: 303-954-1697 or sbrown@denverpost.com
Find refuge
The refuge is 11 miles northeast of Denver, with the entrance at East 56th Avenue and Havana Street. More at
