Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area
Description
Often confused with Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open Space, Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area includes Fossil Creek Reservoir (810 acres of land and water surface rights, leased from North Poudre Irrigation Company) and upland parcels on the north and southwest sides of the reservoir. In 2001, the National Audubon Society designated this site, along with its neighbor to the west, Fossil Creek Wetlands Natural Area, as part of an “Important Bird Area.” The 163 species of birds seen here include great blue herons (with nesting colonies since at least 1935), bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, ferruginous hawks, peregrine falcons, sandhill cranes, American avocets, and great horned owls. The site also is home for amphibians and reptiles including tiger salamanders, Woodhouse’s toads, painted turtles, plains garter snakes, and prairie rattlesnakes.
Trails
Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area is not yet open. A portion of the Fossil Creek Trail is planned along Carpenter Road, with a bike pull-out and interpretive feature to allow cyclists to stop, enjoy the views, and learn about the natural features of Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area. There is no access to the reservoir.
Hours
Not yet open to the public.
Directions
Northeast corner of Carpenter and Timberline.
Events & Activities
- Would you like monthly activity updates, trail recommendations and more? Sign up for the Natural Areas electronic newsletter in the upper right corner of this page.
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- Free educational programs about Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area are available for groups by request, call the Master Naturalist Program at 970-416-2480 or email
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