Natural Areas

Tracks & Trails is your guide to free natural area activities! The pdf is available now, printed copies will be available in late May at trailheads and local businesses. Registration is required for all activities.

Tracks & Trails pdf

Skygazing at Fossil Creek Reservoir, Friday, June 22, 9:00 – 11:00 p.m. Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area, 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. Free, registration required at fcgov.com/register

Canceled! - Introduction to Nature Journaling, Saturday, June 23, 9:00 - noon, Primrose Studio.

Poudre River Nature Walk, Saturday, June 23, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. Lee Martinez Park, meet at the parking lot near the tennis courts. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Poudre River Trail.  Explore the dance between the river and land while observing animal and plant life.  Bring binoculars or borrow from us. Free, registration required. 1-2 miles; easy. Free, registration required at fcgov.com/register

Natural History of Pineridge, Saturday, June 30, 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. Pineridge Natural Area, meet at the west parking lot. Do not park at Maxwell for this program. Explore the natural history along the lower tree line and prairie. Learn about the ecological connections between the prairie, shrublands, and ponderosa pine forests. Bring water, lunch, sun protection, and closed-toe shoes. 1 mile; easy. Free, registration required at fcgov.com/register

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.

The construction of this 4.4 mile stretch of paved trail will connect Fort Collins to Loveland. This project is also in conjunction with the construction of the Fossil Creek Trail connection, between College Avenue and Shields Street. Learn more here.

Questions? Greg Oakes, 970.416.2260 or Z29ha2VzQGZjZ292LmNvbQ==

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!