Natural Areas Enews
Enjoy the Fall at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area
Fall is a great season to enjoy the many trails at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. You'll find trails for all experience levels for biking, hiking, and horseback riding. Explore the newly reopened natural area nestled along the foothills, just a quick drive from Fort Collins and Loveland with plenty of parking spots. 
Visit Bobcat Ridge

Fort Collins Natural Areas Career Quiz

Have you ever wondered what your perfect job at the Natural Areas would be? This quiz created by educators at the Natural Areas Department is perfect for young professionals curious about careers in the natural resource field. Take this quiz and find out your perfect Natural Areas career match and share with family and friends!
Take the Quiz!

Laramie Foothills Conservation Recognized with Starburst and Blue Grama Awards

The Colorado Lottery awarded the Laramie Foothills Mountains to Plains 2020 Expansion Project a Starburst Award. The project was an opportunity for Larimer County and the City of Fort Collins to conserve several irreplaceable ranchlands in the Laramie Foothills, located about 25 miles north of Fort Collins. This $2,287,468 project utilized $668,000 in Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) funds this past year to continue to protect the public investment in this landscape. By connecting nearly 2,000-acres, in additional conserved lands, an unprecedented landscape is protected for generations to come. The Laramie Foothills is an important regional conservation site that includes vast ecological and cultural resources. The grant supported Larimer County and the City of Fort Collins in conserving two properties in the Laramie Foothills, totaling 1,975 acres.  

The Starburst Award was presented to the Larimer County Commissioners, with Natural Areas staff representing the partnership on October 26.

The Colorado Open Space Alliance also recognized the Laramie Foothills 2020 Expansion Project with a Blue Grama award which highlights outstanding achievements in conservation and natural resources management. 

Fall Trail Etiquette Reminder
It seems as if winter decided to arrive in Fort Collins this week. Now is a great time to freshen up on your fall trail etiquette. Next time you hit the trails and the weather is dreary, keep in mind these tips:
  • Check COTREX or the Natural Areas website for updated trail closures.
  • Check the parking lot cameras before you head out. 
  • If a part of the trail seems muddy, go through the puddle and not around. This prevents trail widening.
  • Bring extra layers, since the weather can change quickly.

Now on Instagram!
Fort Collins Natural Areas is finally on Instagram! You'll be able to find updates on your local natural areas, volunteer opportunities, events, and so much more. Share with your friends and family to stay connected. Follow us @fcnaturalareas.
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Enjoy your Fall Event at Primrose Studio

The leaves are beginning to change at Primrose Studio! Fall is here and it’s the perfect time for young and more experienced users alike to experience the magic of nature. Bring your next event to Primrose Studio, Reservoir Ridge Natural Area’s best-kept secret. Inquire about a tour or check availability today! 
Check Availability

Free Upcoming Activities
Burning and Renewal | Thursday, November 11 | 1:30 PM | Bobcat Ridge Natural Area | Registration Required
Awaken your curiosity about wildfire and its impacts through up-close, personal observations of the recently burned landscape, stories from those who were on the scene during the fire, and an understanding of how the ecosystem reveals its resilience to this natural phenomenon.

Skygazing | Friday, November 12 | 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.

Partial Lunar Eclipse | Friday, November 19 | 1 AM | Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area| Registration Required
Join volunteers from the Northern Colorado Astronomical Society (NCAS) for an EARLY morning partial lunar eclipse viewing. The height of the eclipse will be at 2AM. Please drop by any time between 1am and 3am and stay as long as you like.
View the Event Calendar

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.

City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department
PO Box 580, 1745 Hoffman Mill Road
Fort Collins, CO 80522