Natural Areas Enews

COTREX: Your Guide to Fall Trails

With the change in seasons also comes a change in precipitation. Make sure you are prepared for the fall season by downloading COTREX! It's your one-stop-shop for all current trail conditions in Northern Colorado. You can also check trail conditions on the Natural Areas website.

Annual Native Seed Swap

Please join us for our annual native seed swap coming up on October 23rd at Wolverine Farm.  This free, public event is a great opportunity to give and receive seeds of native plants that can improve habitat for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. Last year we had 80 different species available and this year we hope to offer more diversity. You do not need to provide seeds to participate in the swap.

Email: noco@peopleandpollinators.org with any questions or to volunteer/donate seed. 

Implementation Grants due October 20

Reminder: Applications for 2022 Make it Happen Implementation funds are due October 20, 2021. Grant funds can range from $5,000 to $40,000 to help you implement natural spaces into your neighborhood and community. Visit the apply page to get started and find general information about the grants. You can also check out past projects here, and learn more about our goals in the Nature in the City Strategic plan.

Volunteer Group of the Month

October's volunteer group of the month is the wonderful gardeners at Sugarbeet Park and NIX Farmhouse. A big thank you to everyone who gardened all season to create beautiful spaces for both local pollinators and the community. Your work is greatly appreciated! Volunteers pictured above also helped to collect and clean seeds from the gardens for the Annual Native Seed Swap on October 23rd. You can register for the event here.

Primrose Studio is where Wi-Fi Meets Nature

Be an innovator who brings a unique and affordable meeting space option to the table. Strategy sessions, retreats, team building, and budget meetings are always more fun and inspired when you're close to nature. Inquire about a tour or check availability today! 

Free Upcoming Activities

From Shore to Ocean Depths | Thursday, October 7 | 9 AM | Coyote Ridge Natural Area | Registration Required; Ages 12+
Examine the watery sediments that form Coyote Ridge. Learn how these rocks were deposited, uplifted, eroded, and vegetated to form the present landscape. 4 miles; moderate. 

Hike Through the Ages | Saturday, October 9 | 9 AM | Soapstone Prairie Natural Area | Registration Required; Ages 12+
Experts in geology, ecology, and history show how Soapstone Prairie was formed, the creatures that keep it functioning, and the homesteading and ranching history that’s part of our heritage. 6-7 miles; strenuous, off-trail hike

Wellness Walks | Wednesday, October 13 | 12 PM | Fort Collins Museum of Discovery | Registration Required
Join Volunteer Naturalists for a short and slow walk along the Poudre. Discover ways to incorporate mindfulness and daily time in nature. Up to 1 mile; easy.

Skygazing | Friday, October 15 | 7 PM | Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area | Registration Required
Volunteers from the Northern Colorado Astronomical Society provide telescopes and share their knowledge about the stars, planets, galaxies, and more.

Breathing with the Trees | Saturday, October 16 | 10 AM | Riverbend Pond Natural Area | Registration Required; Ages 16+
Walking the nature trail is an immersion experience. Nature has an intuitive sense for what we need. Enjoy a breath of fresh air as you breath the wellness scents of trees. This unique walk will leave you feeling rejuvenated and alive. Up to 1 mile; easy.

Natural Areas News is published on the first Tuesday of the month with occasional special editions. Newsletter comments are welcome. Please contact Charlotte Norville, City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Public Engagement Manager, 970-221-6311 or cnorville@fcgov.com. 

To learn more about Natural Areas, visit our website.

View this email in your web browser

City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department

PO Box 580, 1745 Hoffman Mill Road

Fort Collins, CO 80522