Covering 72.2 acres, the Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge, in Arvada, Colorado, is the smallest urban unit of the NWR system. Nevertheless, it offers a pleasing mix of wetland and grassland habitat.
On this cool, foggy morning in northwest Metro Denver, my wife and I visited the refuge. The eastern portion, accessed from W. 80th Ave., offers two loops around and near ponds and swaths of marsh. The larger western section is primarily grassland, bordered by groves of trees; it is best reached from West 77th Ave. Despite the overcast, we encountered a good mix of wetland and grassland birds, highlighted by a Cooper's hawk and a snowy egret.
Founded in 1992, Two Ponds NWR is managed as a unit of the Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR. We recommend a visit.
