Overview of Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge

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NATIONAL REFUGE SYSTEM

Find out more about other Colorado Refuges.

Alamosa/Monte Vista NWR

Arapaho NWR

Browns Park NWR

Rocky Flats NWR

Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR

Learn more about the National Refuge System.

OVERVIEW

Two Ponds is the smallest urban unit in the National Wildlife Refuge System. The Refuge covers 72.2 acres--63.2 acres of uplands, 9 acres of wetlands, and 3 small ponds, containing various types of plant communities. The setting was once characterized by plant communities of the High Plains--shortgrass and mixed-grass prairie. Livestock grazing and plowing of prairie sod for crops by European settlers altered the native plant and animal communities. More recently, housing developments and urbanization have also decreased the land available for native wildlife. In 1990, a local citizen's group was instrumental in saving this site from development. Their efforts contributed to the establishment of Two Ponds NWR in 1992.

Friends Pond

Two Ponds Mission:
Protect and enhance urban wildlife and habitat and provide opportunities for environmental education. This urban Refuge is committed to providing a sanctuary of wildlife for all to enjoy.

Purpose/Goals of Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge:

To restore, enhance and preserve a diversity of upland and wetland habitats for migrant and resident wildlife, fish and invertebrates.
To provide opportunities for environmental education with emphasis on the inherent values of wetlands and wildlife in an urban setting.
To provide interpretative facilities and opportunities related to wildlife such as viewing, study and photography.

The Two Ponds Preservation Foundation is a volunteer organization that receives and administers gifts for environmental education, preservation of wetlands and the development of the Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge.