September 2010
Naturally Yours
The Best Birding Fair Ever!
Join us for a free day of fun and learning at the 6th annual Northern Colorado Birding Fair, Saturday September 25, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open Space. Events include guided bird walks at 7 a.m. and 7:15 a.m., hands-on activities and crafts from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., presentations at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., field trips to Cottonwood Hollow Natural Area and River Bluffs Open Space (not yet open to the public), and interactive clinics with birding experts at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. There is a silent auction, photo contest, bird call contest, two raptor releases and vendors selling birding products and food. It's a great way for everyone to enjoy the outdoors! More details here >>>
Fall is River Time
Fall is a beautiful time of year in Colorado! You might enjoy exploring the Cache La Poudre river corridor by foot, bike or horse. Try wandering off the paved Poudre River trail and exploring Salyer and McMurry natural areas. These two sites are adjacent to each other and just across the river from the paved Poudre River Trail between Shields Street and College Avenue. Parking is easiest by taking College Ave to Woodlawn Dr. (Legacy Park) or taking College Avenue to Hemlock St.(McMurry Natural Area). Flat, natural surface trails guide you around several ponds and through the lush forest along the river banks. The natural areas map is a handy navigation tool.
Funding to Enhance Your Natural Area
The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas
Program encourages stewardship of all natural areas. Financial assistance is available for
projects designed to enhance or restore private or public natural areas in
Share Your Thoughts on Natural Areas Along the River
The Natural Areas Program is updating the management plan that applies to the 19 natural areas along the Cache La Poudre River (Butterfly Woods to Arapaho Bend). You are invited to share your thoughts on what you like and what could be improved at these sites through a 20-question online survey. Later in the fall an open house will present proposed management actions for public comment. An invitation will be included in this newsletter.Poop-De-Doo Event
He
lp pick up where the dogs left off! You are invited to help clean up Pineridge Natural Area and the Spring Canyon Park Dog Park on Saturday, September 25, 9 a.m. to noon. Post pick-up activities include team competitions for prizes, drawings for cool stuff and a tennis ball drop. Join the fun! To volunteer or for more information, contact Sue Carroll (Volunteer Master Naturalist and Bones Du Jour owner/chef), 970-290-8874. Get Outside! Free September Activities
Phantom of the
Prairie
City of
Thursday, September 2, 7-9 p.m. Learn about the most
endangered mammal in
Archaeology of
Soapstone Prairie
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area
Saturday, September 4, 10-11 a.m. . 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.
9 AM with a Naturalist: Wee Wildlife
Bobcat
Ridge Natural Area
Saturday,
September 4, 9-11 a.m. Meet at the picnic shelter. Explore the world of insects
with insect enthusiast Dr. Dave and discover interesting facts about our
six-legged friends. No registration required.
The Prairie: It’s Not
Just Grass!
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area
Sunday, September 5, 10 a.m. – Noon. Meet at the south parking lot. Join a Master Naturalist to explore the wonders of the prairie. 1.5 miles, easy. No registration required.
A Morning with
Thoreau
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area
Monday, September 6, 10 a.m. –Noon. Meet at the north parking lot. See nature through the works of famous naturalist Henry David Thoreau. 2 miles, easy. No registration required.
Thanks for reading!
Newsletter comments are welcome. Please contact Zoe Whyman, Natural Areas Community Relations Manager, 970-221-6311 or zwhyman@fcgov.com
