McMurry Natural Area

Description

Anglers love McMurry’s reclaimed gravel ponds. More than 20 species of fish are found in these two ponds - more fish types than at any other natural area in Fort Collins. You may find orange spotted sunfish, smallmouth and largemouth bass, bluegills, black crappie or yellow perch.

McMurry is great for wildlife too- birds at McMurry include cedar waxwings, Bullock’s orioles and even osprey, a raptor once near the brink of extinction and still relatively rare in Colorado. Snapping and painted turtles often sun themselves on warm summer days. Rabbits, muskrats, and red fox make their homes here as well.

McMurry Natural Area was acquired with the help of a Great Outdoors Colorado grant.

Trails

1.5 miles natural surface with a trail connection to Magpie Meander Natural Area and Salyer Natural Area. There is a boat launch for non-motorized boats on the eastern pond.

Hours

5:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Directions

Parking lot at the west end of Hemlock Street or trail connections from Magpie Meander and Salyer natural areas.

Activities & Events

• Fort Collins Natural Areas Program Program and Activity Guide May-October 2009 (pdf).
• Free educational programs at McMurry Natural Area are available for groups by request, call the Master Naturalist Program at 970-416-2480 or email .

Related Information

• Poudre River Natural Areas Management Plan