Make an evening of it with wildlife tour, string quartet

COMMERCE CITY – Summer is the perfect time for wildlife watching, and we’ve got a great way to beat the heat as well.

Adults 50 and older are invited to join the Commerce City Recreation Center’s Encore program for “Wildlife at Twilight” on Friday, July 17. This event takes place at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, right in our own back yard.

What: Wildlife at Twilight
When: Friday, July 17
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Where: Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

The refuge is opening its doors at twilight for this special group; join us for a fun evening that includes a guided wildlife tour or just relaxing on the patio as the Aurora Symphony string quartet plays.

A certified Park Ranger will lead a bus tour of the refuge, where participants can listen and look for native animals. We’re sure to see the refuge’s famous bison herd, and we hope to catch a glimpse of other critters such as burrowing owls and coyotes.

The refuge is made up of 17,000 acres, which is home to more than 330 animal species, including bald eagles, deer, prairie dogs and more. Come with us for a first-hand look at all the refuge offers.

We’ll meet at 7 p.m. at the Visitor Center, where refreshments will be served. There is plenty of time to enjoy the music, view the museum’s interactive displays, or stroll around the nearby lake and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. At 7:45, we’ll board the bus for a wildlife tour, which will finish up back at the Visitor Center about 8:30 p.m., where we’ll end our evening by 9.

The cost of the evening’s entertainment is just $7 at the door or pay in advance when you register through the Recreation Center. The Visitors Center is reached through the refuge’s main entrance at 56th Ave. and Havana St.

Encore is an umbrella program for adults 50 and older. It offers three distinct three focus areas: Over 50, After 5 is a series of fun social events; Never Too Late to Learn offers arts, crafts and education via classes, events and excursions; and Active Living features health, nutrition and exercise opportunities.

For more information about Wildlife at Twilight or the Encore program, contact Maripat Gallas at 303-289-3761. To register in advance, call the Recreation Center at 303-289-3789.