Natural Areas

Tracks & Trails is your guide to free natural area activities! Printed copies are available at trailheads and local businesses. Registration is required for all activities.

Tracks & Trails pdf

Hike through the Ages, Saturday, September 22, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, meet at the south parking lot. Explore with experts in geology, ecology, and history to learn how Soapstone Prairie came to be, the creatures that keep in functioning, and the homesteading and ranching history of this area. Bring water, food, sun protection and any other comforts you might need. 6-7 miles; off-trail, strenuous. 12+. Free, registration required at fcgov.com/register

Natural Area Welcome Hike, Wednesday, September 26, 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Coyote Ridge Natural Area, meet at the parking lot. New and old residents welcome! Pack a lunch and discover the wonders of the natural areas by exploring a neighborhood natural area with staff who can answer questions and give recommendations for future hikes. Please bring lunch, water, closed-toe shoes, sun and wind protection, and any other comforts you might need. 2 miles; easy. Free, registration required at fcgov.com/register

Nix Farm Native Plant Garden Tour, Sunday, September 23, 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Nix Farm, 1745 Hoffman Mill Rd. Learn why native plants are important for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife.  Explore the Nix Native Plant Garden and come away with some wildflower seeds and ideas for incorporating native plants in your home gardens. Bring water and sun protection. Free, registration required at fcgov.com/register

Astronomy at Soapstone Prairie – Delightful Darkness. Friday, October 5, 6:30 – 11:00 p.m. Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, meet at the south parking lot. Enjoy a brief, family-friendly program followed by skygazing. Darkness benefits humans and wildlife. Learn how the City of Fort Collins is working to protect our night skies. Volunteers from the Northern Colorado Astronomical Society provide telescopes for your viewing pleasure. Dress warmly, bring water and a blanket or chair to sit on in the parking lot. Please arrive on time! The gate closes shortly after start times and parking is not allowed on the road outside the gate. Free, registration required at fcgov.com/register

Natural Area Welcome Hike, Thursday, October 11, 10:30 a.m. – noon, Red Fox Meadows Natural Area, meet at the parking lot off of Taft Hill Rd. New and old residents welcome! Discover the wonders of the natural areas by exploring a neighborhood natural area with staff who can answer questions and give recommendations for future hikes. Please bring water, sturdy walking shoes, sun protection, and any other comforts you might need. 1 mile; easy. Free, registration required at fcgov.com/register

Skygazing at Fossil Creek Reservoir, Friday, October 19, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. Fossil Creek Reservoir, meet at the parking lot. Volunteers from the Northern Colorado Astronomical Society provide telescopes for your viewing pleasure and share their knowledge about stars, planets, galaxies, and more. Dress warmly and bring a blanket or chair to sit on. Meet in the parking lot. Free, registration required at fcgov.com/register  

Weird Wild Weather, Saturday, October 27, 10:00 a.m. - noon, Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area, meet at the parking lot. Learn about our unique weather patterns and how weather and climate affect humans and animals alike. Bring water, sun protection, and any other comforts you might need. 0.25 miles; easy. 9+. Free, registration required at fcgov.com/register

Calendar of free activities

Missed the Open House?

First learn about the project:

• Roundhouse Renewable Energy posters (Welcome, Project Overview, Renewable Energy Benefits of the Project, Process and Schedule, Who are the Decision Makers?, Wyoming Permit Application Process, Regional Context and Alternatives map, Alternative Comparison, Map of Opportunities and Constraints, Environmental Compliance Map, Land Use Map)
• City of Fort Collins posters (Sustainability, Climate Action Plan, Meadow Springs Ranch, Mountains to Plains Landscape, City Analysis of Transmission Line Routes, Comments to City of Fort Collins)

Then, please use this comment form to submit written comments on the proposed project, which will be delivered to Fort Collins City Council and area regulators who are responsible for permitting various aspects of the project.

Learn more

This information could save your life!

Wear a Life Vest

• No pool toys- they won't hold you up.
• Wear shoes and a helmet
• Don't tie anything to yourself or your tube/boat. It could drown you

Safe to Go?

• Know the weather and water conditions. High flows are unsafe.
• The water is melted snow- it is always cold.
• Avoid logs, branches, rocks and debris. They can drag you under.
• Your risk taking endangers the lives of rescuers.

Know Where You Are

• Take a map!
• Plan your take-out location before you get in.

Float Sober, Float Safe

• Alcohol and drugs, including marijuana impair judgement.

More tips and maps of river routes are here.

Thank you for a quarter century of Natural Areas land conservation, stewardship, and volunteerism, all made possible by sales tax ballot measures!

This short video was made for the occassion!