October2010
Naturally Yours
Try These Lesser-Known Natural Areas
The Cache La Poudre River and the lands nearby are treasured places for many Fort Collins residents. It's popular to follow the paved Poudre River Trail which goes through seven city-owned natural areas and gives views of another six along the way. This month, try wandering off the paved trail to explore some lesser-known natural areas.
- North Shields Ponds Natural Area is a great fishing or picnic spot for families. Sterling Natural Area is right next door- a 1.5 mile loop trail connects the two sites.
- Running Deer Natural Area is a nice place for hiking, solitude and mountain views, close to the city. It's perfect if you are looking for a spot without dogs, bikes and horses (they are not allowed here).
- Prospect Ponds Natural Area can be accessed from the paved Poudre River trail, but it also has a short natural surface trail between the river bank and the ponds. It's a good place to enjoy the relatively lush river corridor as the trees loose their leaves. Cyclists, equestrians, dogs on leash and hikers are all welcome.
- Explore the river corridor with your GPS unit- October 29 is the deadline for GeoCache La Poudre, a virtual geocache course with one traditional cache. Complete 10 or more questions and return your answers to be entered into a drawing for a $25 downtown gift card.
Natural Areas Along the Poudre River: Plan Update
The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program is updating the
management plan that applies to the 19 natural areas along the Cache La
Poudre River (between Overland Trail Road and Harmony Road). Citizens are invited to share their thoughts and feedback through a 20 question online survey
which will help planners determine management of the natural areas
along the Poudre River for the next 10 years. Questions ask about access, recreation, ecological features, education/ outreach, safety, restoration and amenities. You are also invited to an open house, November 9, 4- 7 p.m. at the Northside Azatlan Center. Seven Tips to Get Outside with Your Kids
You may have heard concerns about the outdoors- warnings about various things from strangers to wildlife encounters. At the same time, parents might feel shamed for their fear. Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder offers seven tips for parents to reduce risk and still get outside. Some suggestions are to accompany your children outside, and let children direct their own play, teach your children to watch for behaviors, not "strangers" and to join a nature club. Read the full article here >>
Free October Activities and Hikes
Geology of Soapstone Prairie
Wednesday, October 6, 9 a.m.-Noon.
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area
Meet at the north parking lot. Let the landscape whisk you back in time. 5 miles, moderate. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Call 970-416-2815 or email gkidawski@fcgov.com (naturalareas@fcgov.com is not working) with your contact information and program choices.
Archaeology of Soapstone Prairie
Sunday, October 10, 10-11 a.m.
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area
Meet at the north parking lot. Discover the amazing story of the Lindenmeier Site and other archaeological wonders. 0.5 miles, easy. No registration required.
Starry Night Astronomy: Our Majestic Moon
Thursday, October 14, 6:15 p.m.
Bobcat Ridge Natural Area
Meet at the picnic shelter. Discover amazing facts about Earth’s satellite through interactive demonstrations and activities, followed by viewing of the moon and stars with telescopes. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Call 970-416-2815 or email gkidawski@fcgov.com (naturalareas@fcgov.com isn't working) with your program choice and contact information.
This is not a complete list- programs are offered all month, see all the October activities here.
Thanks for reading!
Natural Areas News is usually sent on the first Tuesday of the month. Newsletter comments are welcome. Please contact Zoe Whyman, Natural Areas Community Relations Manager, 970-221-6311 or zwhyman@fcgov.com
