Sterling Natural Area

Description

A great place to visit! You'll enjoy views of the mountains and a feeling of remoteness, even close to town. Accessible only through North Shields Pond Natural Area, Sterling is popular for equestrians and hikers. Birdwatchers will want to look for 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.

Hours

5:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Directions

North Shields Pond Natural Area parking lot 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 Management Plan