July 2010
Naturally Yours
Cool Trails for Hot Temperatures
Summer's warm weather has arrived, so here are some shade-filled natural areas that you might enjoy visiting in July.
Gateway Natural Area- Located about 5 miles up the Poudre Canyon/ Hwy 14, Gateway is a great place for a picnic, fishing in the river or a short hike. Try the steep but short (3/4 mile each way) Black Powder Trail for great views and wildflowers or just enjoy the sound of the river from Gateway's lawn.
Salyer, McMurry and Magpie Meander natural areas- Just blocks from Old Town Fort Collins, these 3 riverside sites offer shade, fishing and easy trails. Try parking at Soft Gold Park, walking west through Magpie Meander, connecting to McMurry, heading west around the ponds, then east to Salyer and back along the Hickory paved trail (about 1.5 mile loop, easy). If you have a dog, check out the dog park in the north part of Soft Gold Park- its a treasure that few have discovered.
Do Good, Give Back
- Interested in a one day outdoor project? Join us on Saturday July 17, 9-11 am for our monthly service day. We'll be focusing on a restoration project. You'll feel great about making a difference. All materials are provided and no experience is necessary. To register, please call 970-416-2815 or email naturalareas@fcgov.com .
- Do you dream of being outdoors, chatting with visitors, enjoying wildlife and helping the environment? Perhaps you'd like to become a Volunteer Ranger Assistant (VRA)! Applications are being accepted now for the August VRA training which will be August 24 and 26 (6-9 p.m.) and Aug 28, 9 a.m. -2 p.m. This is the perfect volunteer position if you want a flexible schedule and volunteers are especially needed on the weekends. Learn more here >>>
Enjoy Trails Safely
Good weather means lots of people are outside enjoying the trails. We all
love our natural areas and have a role in taking care of these special
treasures. This article in the Coloradoan newspaper is about sharing the trails
>>>.Get Outside! July Activities
No registration is required unless noted.
Junior Bobcats: Earth and Sky
Bobcat Ridge Natural
Area
Meet at the picnic shelter. Explore our natural world with hands-on
activities, hikes, and games, and increase your knowledge of ecology, geology,
and weather. Designed for ages 8-12
(parent/guardian must be present).
REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Call
416-2815 or email naturalareas@fcgov.com with your program choice and contact
information.
Wildlife Photography
Riverbend Ponds Natural
Area
Learn to capture tricky, fast-moving wildlife. 2
miles, easy. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Call 416-2815 or email
naturalareas@fcgov.com with your program choice and contact information
Archaeology of Soapstone Prairie
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area
Meet at the north parking lot. Discover the
amazing story of the Lindenmeier Site National Historic Landmark and other
wonders. 0.5 miles, easy on paved walkway. No registration required.
Pronghorn Trail Hike
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area
Meet at the south parking lot. Enjoy 2-4 miles, moderate hike on the prairie. No registration required.
Tuesday, July 6, 7-9 p.m.
Learn about the most endangered mammal in
Ghost Runners of the Prairie
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area
Meet at the south parking lot. Learn about some of
the least-known animals of the prairie. Bring a flashlight. 1.5 miles, easy.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Call 416-2815 or email naturalareas@fcgov.com with your
program choice and contact information.
Bobcat Tales: It’s a Bug’s Life
Bobcat Ridge Natural
Area
Meet at the picnic shelter. Explore nature through hands-on activities, stories, and puppets. Designed for ages 3-7 (parent/guardian must be present). No registration required.
Starry Night Astronomy: A Tiny
Little Dot
Bobcat Ridge Natural
Area
Meet at the picnic shelter. Explore the size of objects
in our universe with demonstrations and interactive activities. Sky viewing
with telescopes follows. REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
Call 416-2815 or email naturalareas@fcgov.com with your program choice
and contact information.
History Mysteries
Bobcat Ridge Natural
Area
Meet in the parking lot. Discover the interesting human history at Bobcat Ridge. 2 miles, easy. No registration required.
Nature of the
Lee Martinez Park lower parking
lot, Saturday, July 10, 9-11 a.m.
Meet at the Lee Martinez parking lot east of the tennis courts. Learn about this amazing green corridor that winds through the city. 2 miles, easy. No registration required.
Geology of Soapstone Prairie
Soapstone Prairie
Natural Area
Meet at the north parking lot. Let the landscape
whisk you back in time. 5 miles, moderate. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Call 416-2815
or email naturalareas@fcgov.com with your program choice and contact
information.
Sack Supper
North Shields Pond
Natural Area
Give yourself a break and eat dinner in a natural
area! Each month explore a different natural history topic. Bring your sack
supper and insect repellent. Picnic tables available. REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
Call 416-2815 or email naturalareas@fcgov.com with your program choice and
contact information.
The Search for the Ancient Folsom
Culture
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area
Meet at the north parking lot. Dr. Jason LaBelle,
Professor of Anthropology at CSU will share with you his discoveries and
knowledge of the archaeology of Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. REGISTRATION
REQUIRED. Call 416-2815 or email naturalareas@fcgov.com with your program
choice and contact information.
Portraits at Pineridge
Pineridge Natural Area
Sharpen your people-photography skills in the
great outdoors! 0.1 miles, easy.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Call 416-2815 or email naturalareas@fcgov.com with your
program choice and contact information.
Thanks for reading!
Newsletter comments are welcome. Please contact Zoe Whyman, Natural Areas Community Relations Manager, 970-221-6311 or zwhyman@fcgov.com
