November 2011
Naturally Yours
Big Year Inspired Trails
The Big Year movie is in theaters now, so if it has inspired you to go birding, (or you just like seeing wildlife), check out these bird-rich places.
Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open Space has been designated an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society which means it provides crucial bird habitat. Two trails (about 1 mile each way) lead to bird blinds with signs to help you identify what you see.
Several natural areas are named for birds too, for an unusual tour, go to these sites and look for their avian namesakes! Magpie Meander is in northwest Fort Collins, Mallard's Nest is along the paved Spring Creek Trail, Redtail Grove connects the Mason Trail with the Fossil Creek Trail and Redwing Marsh is in northern Fort Collins. Bring along this bird list to record how many you see!
The Great Outdoors is No Place for Cats
You can protect your cat and be a responsible owner by
preventing it from being lost, killed or stolen- keep your cat indoors.
You’ll be helping birds too. The American Bird Conservancy estimates that outdoor and feral cats kill 500 million birds a year. Domestic cats are not part of natural ecosystems, they compete with native predators, and they can transmit diseases to wildlife. Indoor cats live longer, healthier lives. City code section 4-93 prohibits pet animals at large, including cats. For these reasons, the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program encourages you to keep your cat indoors. Learn more from the American Bird Conservancy and The Wildlife Society.
Eagle Watch is Back!
Bald eagles spend the winter in Fort Collins and have established roosts and hunting areas at Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open Space. Join City of Fort Collins volunteer Master Naturalists on Saturday, November 26, 9-11 a.m. to learn about these majestic birds. Eagle Watches include a short walk along a paved or gravel trail to a viewing area. Binoculars and scopes are provided. Free, no registration required.Watch Natural Areas News for announcements of more Eagle Watches in December and 2012.
Outstanding Year for Volunteerism
One
of our proudest accomplishments of 2011 has been the record breaking
number of volunteers involved with the Natural Areas Program. Nearly
1,000 people participated in one-day projects such as trail work,
plantings, and clean-ups, and the year isn't over! Another 500 people
are involved as on-going volunteers serving as Volunteer Ranger
Assistants, Master Naturalists, Citizen Scientists, Native Plant
Gardeners and more. Our sincere thank you to everyone who donated their
time and talents- it was a great year because of you! Last Month to Visit Soapstone Prairie
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area closes during December, January and February each year. So plan your visit soon! An updated brochure includes a new map and trail suggestions for hikers, cyclists and equestrians.
Grant for Activities at Bobcat Ridge
The City of Fort
Collins Natural Areas Program has received a grant for $20,000 from the David R. and Virginia D. Pulliam Charitable
Trust in support of environmental and cultural education at Bobcat Ridge
Natural Area. Thank you Pulliams!
Improvements on River Proposed
In the summer, thousands of people throng
to the natural areas and parks along the Cache La Poudre River to swim, tube, picnic, walk,
bike, fish, bird watch, and have a good time. It's a special place for the community!Unfortunately, there
are also some less-than-ideal
conditions that include poor navigational signage; steep river banks
with no safe ingress/egress; poor quality parking; and, a lack of
well-designed,
sustainable, picnic, fishing, and swimming areas. The natural values are being degraded as well
as the visitor experience.
With
the goal of improving visitor amenities while at the same time
enhancing natural values, the City has submitted a concept paper to
Great Outdoors Colorado (the agency that awards lottery proceeds to
outdoor projects). If accepted, the concept paper could turn into a
grant application and a grant to fund enhancements. The idea is to
create an in-stream River Trail and a land-based River Park. The
in-stream trail might include a boating play feature, bank restoration,
take-outs and put-ins for safe boating and tubing and navigation signs.
The River Park might include picnic shelters, a nature play area,
restrooms and improved parking.
Through a combination of city funds and private fund-raising, our community can make the river even more special for today and future generations. Learn more from John Stokes, Director of the City of Fort Collins Natural Resources Department, jstokes@fcgov.com or 970-221-6263.
Thanks for reading! Natural Areas News is published on the first Tuesday of the month with occasional mid-month updates. Newsletter comments are welcome. Please contact Zoe Whyman, Natural Areas Community Relations Manager, 970-221-6311 or zwhyman@fcgov.com
