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North Shields Ponds Natural Area#

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Trail Status

Open without issues.

Description#

A great place to visit with a 1.5 mile trail system in a figure 8 configuration. North Shields Ponds has nice views of the mountains and a feeling of remoteness, even close to town. It's is popular for anglers, equestrians and hikers. Fish species include black bullhead, channel catfish, bluegill, hybrid sunfishes, largemouth bass, and black crappie. More fishing details are listed here. Birdwatchers will want to look for any of the 30 species of birds that have been seen here including red-winged blackbirds, great blue herons, snow geese and American wigeons. Native plants include showy milkweed (upon which the monarch butterfly is dependent), cattails, and cottonwood trees.

Restoration#

Natural Area Size: 54 acres
Total Restoration Acres: 32 acres
Challenges: Water levels in the west pond are difficult to control in order to get wetland plants established. High spring flows can overwhelm wetland plants established during restoration. Geese prefer the new tender wetland plants and can decimate a restoration planting. The initial restoration project at North Shields Ponds is complete! Youll see five new acres of wetlands and naturally contoured river banks to promote river connection to the floodplain. The Josh Ames diversion structure was removed to allow for fish passage and to ensure safe river recreation. Ongoing maintenance of this site will assure the work is meeting the projects objective of promoting a natural, functioning river ecosystem. 

Photos#

NS Pond

NS Pond

NS Table

NSP picnic table

Western Painted Turtle

Western Painted Turtle

North Shields Pond by K Manderbach

North Shields Pond by K Manderbach

Trails#

1.5 miles of natural surface trail, wheelchair accessible fishing deck, picnic tables and benches. Trail Map >>>

Hours#

5:00 a.m. 11:00 p.m. daily

Directions#

The North Shields Ponds Natural Area parking lot is on Shields St, north of Shields/Vine, on the west side of road. The approximate address is 1333 North Shields Street, Fort Collins. North Shields Ponds Natural Area has no entrance fee or parking fee.

Activities and Events#

Related Information#