Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

In 1986, a communal roost of bald eagles was discovered on an environmental cleanup site managed by the U.S. Army and Shell Oil Company. The discovery of this endangered species at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal led Congress to pass the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge Act in 1992. The Act set aside the 27 square-mile cleanup site as a future urban wildlife refuge when cleanup is completed around 2011.

This unique Refuge, located 10 minutes from downtown Denver, is nearly 17,000 acres, making it one of the largest urban wildlife refuges in the United States. It consists of open lakes, wetlands, prairie grasslands, and woodlands. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is home to more than 300 species of birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, and amphibians.

Due to its proximity to Denver, one of the Refuge's primary goals is to provide environmental education programs for urban school children. Each year, thousands of visitors come to the Refuge to appreciate its wildlife, view the scenic habitat, and learn about native prairie species. Renowned wildlife photographers Shattil and Rozinski called the Arsenal "a significant habitat island for wildlife" and "a place to renew the relationship with nature." Popular activities include interpretative programs, environmental education, fishing, wildlife observation, and photography.

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