North Shields Pond Natural Area

Description

A great place to visit with a 1.5 mile trail system that when combined with Sterling Natural Area creates a “figure 8” configuration. North Shields Ponds has nice views of the mountains and a feeling of remoteness, even close to town. North Shields Pond is popular for anglers, equestrians and hikers. Fish species include black bullhead, channel catfish, bluegill, hybrid sunfishes, largemouth bass, and black crappie. 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.

Trails

Combined, Sterling and North Shields Ponds offer 1.5 miles of natural surface trail, wheelchair accessible fishing deck, picnic tables and benches.

Hours

5:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Directions

The North Shields Pond Natural Area parking lot is on Shields St, north of Shields/Vine, west side of road. Sterling Natural Area is only accessed by the trail connection from North Shields Pond Natural Area.

Activities & Events

• Fort Collins Natural Areas Program Program and Activity Guide May-October 2009 (pdf).
• Free educational programs at North Shields Pond or Sterling 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