Mid-June 2010
Naturally Yours
Give Back at Riverbend Ponds Natural Area
You are invited to help take care of your
natural areas! Once a month during the
summer season, the City of
Date: Saturday, June 19
Time: 8:30 am to noon
Project
Description: At Riverbend
Ponds Natural Area, we will be installing some new fencing along the trail for
habitat protection. We will also be
rebuilding a stretch of gravel trail to enhance accessibility near the Prospect
parking lot. Bring work gloves if you
have them.
Registration: Registration is required, please call
(970) 416-2815 or email naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Canceled? Closed? Where to Check Before You Go.
Program cancellations due to weather or other factors are posted at www.fcgov.com/naturalareas . Trail and site conditions are posted at www.fcgov.com/naturalareas/status.php , check here for closed trails, closed natural areas and other site conditions.
Tips for Exploring During High Water
Have you seen the river lately? Recently, the Cache La Poudre River flows have been the highest they've been in years. Flooding of trails, underpasses and ponds is common. While high flows are natural and part of a healthy river, they can be very dangerous. Be careful when you visit natural areas and do not enter the water- it's very cold and swift. Some places to see the river and high flows safely include Sterling and Riverbend Ponds natural areas.Learn: Upcoming Activities
No registration is required unless noted.
A Morning with Thoreau, Soapstone Prairie
Natural Area, Wednesday, June 16, 10 a.m.-noon. Meet at the north
parking lot. See nature through the works of famous naturalist Henry
David Thoreau. 2 miles, easy.
Loren Eiseley and the Paleoindians of Lindenmeier, Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, Friday, June 18, 10-11 a.m. Meet at the north parking lot. Scientist, author, and artist Loren Eiseley helped excavate the Lindenmeier Site in the 1930s. Join local reporter Gary Raham to discover the fascinating details. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Call 970-416-2815 or email naturalareas@fcgov.com with your program choice and contact information.
Archaeology of Soapstone Prairie, Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, Saturday, June 19, 10-11 a.m. Meet at the north parking lot. Discover the amazing story of the Lindenmeier Site and other archaeological wonders. 0.5 miles, easy.
Astronomy, Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open Space, Saturday, June 19, 8:30 p.m. Join knowledgeable and friendly volunteers from Northern Colorado Astronomical Society to enjoy stargazing and the night sky. Bring a jacket and a folding chair or pad to sit on.
Wildflower Walk, Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, Saturday, June 19, 9-11 a.m. Meet in the parking lot. Take a stroll and see what's blooming! 2 miles, easy.
Hike to a Homestead, Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, Sunday, June 20, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Meet at the south parking lot. This is a rare opportunity to see the last remains of dwellings from the homesteading days. You can only visit these sites with a guide! 6 miles, moderate-strenuous. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Call 970-416-2815 or email naturalareas@fcgov.com with your program choice and contact information.
Longspurs and Livestock, Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, Monday, June 21, 8-10:30 a.m. Meet at the south parking lot. Spend a morning learning about the role that grazing plays in providing habitat for wildlife, especially grassland birds. Bring binoculars if you have them. 1.5 miles, easy.
Through the Eyes of an Archaeologist, Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, Wednesday, June 23, 9 a.m.-noon. Join archaeologist Dr. Jason LaBelle, Professor of Anthropology at CSU, on a walking tour to discuss his new discoveries. 2-3 miles, moderate. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Call 970-416-2815 or email naturalareas@fcgov.com with your program choice and contact information.
Meet a Natural Areas Program Staff Member
Zoe Whyman, our Community Relations Manager, was recently interviewed by Beet Street, Fort Collins' arts and culture organization. Listen and you'll hear about the Natural Areas Program and interesting tidbits like how Zoe likes her beets.
Thanks for reading!
Newsletter comments are welcome. Please contact Zoe Whyman, Natural Areas Community Relations Manager, 970-221-6311 or zwhyman@fcgov.com
