Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge

s 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. 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, hundreds of school children learn about wildlife and wetlands. In addition, Two Ponds staff manages the Junior Duck Stamp program for the state of Colorado.