Smithsonian at Lindenmeier, Saturday, August 10, 10 a.m. – 12 noon, Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, meet at north parking lot. Travel back in time to learn how Paleoindians survived the high plains and how Smithsonian Institution archaeologists uncovered their story in the 1930s. 0.25 miles; easy. Please bring sun and wind protection, water, and closed-toe shoes. Free, registration required at fcgov.com/register
Nature Playdate, Thursday, August 15, 10 a.m. -12 noon, Gateway Natural Area, free parking is provided for program participants, meet near the picnic shelters. Come explore nature in a safe and accessible way with your little ones (age 3-7). Gateway Natural Area has a large grass area with picnic shelters and a nature playground, yet is surrounded by mountains and right next to the Cache la Poudre River. This is a great opportunity to ease into the outdoors! We will have sticks, water, and buckets for kids to play with and explore. Bring water, sun protection, clothes that can get wet and dirty, and a picnic lunch if you'd like for afterwards! Free, registration required at fcgov.com/register
Natural History of the Foothills, Friday, August 23, 9-11 a.m., Pineridge Natural Area, meet at the west parking lot above Dixon Reservoir. Discover fascinating ecological links in this dynamic life zone. Learn about the ecological connections between the prairie, shrublands and ponderosa pine forests. Please bring water, lunch, sun protection, and closed-toe shoes. 1 mile; easy. Free, registration required at fcgov.com/register
Walk the Gangplank, Saturday, August 25, 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, meet in north parking lot. Explore with experts in geology and ecology to uncover the secrets of the oldest rocks in Fort Collins and how the landscape was shaped by natural forces to form the ecological landscape of today. Bring sun protection, lunch, water, sturdy shoes, and rain gear. 5-6 miles; moderate-strenuous. Free, registration required at fcgov.com/register