October 9, 2007                                                                              

Contact: Sherry James, 303 289-0659

             Jennifer Watson, 720-212-7420

 

Refuge Roundup 2007 Offers Free Celebration of Western Heritage and National Wildlife Refuge Week

 

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge to host bison chip toss, 

historical re-enactments and performances by Mariachi Juvenil de Bryant-Webster

 

Transport yourself back to the 19th century, where buffalo roamed, pioneers braved the frontier and American Indians hunted the plains.  In celebration of National Wildlife Refuge Week, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is hosting Refuge Roundup 2007 at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge.

 

The event takes place Saturday, Oct. 13 from noon to 6:00 p.m. at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge located 10 miles northeast of Denver on 56th and Havana, just north of I-70.

 

Refuge Roundup 2007 will take place on the last fishing weekend of the year, and anglers will enjoy free catch-and-release fishing that day, as well as watch demonstrations from the experts from Bass Pro Shops.

 

Other events include:

• Bison tours
• Hayrides
• Musical performances by El Mariachi Juvenil de Bryant Webster and Denver Indian Singers and Dancers
• Historical re-enactments
• Refuge campfire with professional storyteller John Stansfield
• American Indian storytelling and crafts
• Other nature and educational activities

 

Visitors can participate in most activities at Refuge Roundup 2007 on a drop-in basis, meaning no prior reservations are required. Because of limited space, however, visitors must call the Visitor Center in advance at 303-289-0930 to save a spot on the hayrides and bison tours.

 

Visitors can also purchase a chuckwagon supper of chili dogs, chips, and a drink available for $4.  

 

Featured at the event will be Ralphie from CU Boulder, Dave Showalter, one of the finest Western photographers and refuge volunteer signing his just released book, “Prairie Thunder,” and outdoor and cultural groups, including the Plains Conservation Center, Colorado Division of Wildlife, Colorado Historical Society, Bass Pro Shops, Denver Indian Singers and Dancers, National Bison Association, el Mariachi Juvenil de Bryant-Webster, Ducks Unlimited, Mule Deer Foundation, Audubon of Greater Denver and Colorado Hawking Club.

 

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Email Us: MountainPrairie@fws.gov