Contact Information Contact Information
Dept Director
- John Stokes
- bmF0dXJhbGFyZWFzQGZjZ292LmNvbQ==
- 970.416.2815
- 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (M-F, except for holidays)
Natural Areas Newsletter Natural Areas Newsletter
Before You Go: Check Trail & Parking Conditions
- Natural Areas Trail Conditions webpage
- NoCoTrailReport.org (map includes Larimer County Open Spaces, Lory State Park)
- Facebook (Facebook.com/FCNaturalAreas)
- Twitter (@FCNaturalAreas)
- Call an on-duty Ranger, 970-416-2147
The busiest times at natural areas are weekends, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., so try visiting earlier or later, or on weekday mornings for the best chance at parking. Have an alternate destination in-mind. When parking lots are full try another trailhead or come back another time. Avoid a parking ticket! Only park in designated spaces.
Natural Areas' Response
Natural Area sites are open, rangers are on-duty, and the community is encouraged to enjoy and steward these treasured places.
Natural Areas' headquarters, Nix (1745 Hoffman Mill Rd) is closed to the public but staff remains available via phone and email.
Gateway Natural Area will resume parking pass fees on Friday, May 22, 2020.
Primrose Studio is CLOSED.
Shelter reservations at Gateway Natural Area are NOT BEING ACCEPTED.
Learning Library
Free activities and resources for educators, families, and individuals are available! Engage in the outdoors in a new way with a Discovery Hunt, clear your mind with outdoor mindfulness activities, or learn about some of the animals that live in natural areas right from your computer.
The Explorer is Here!
Do you love your natural areas now more than ever? Learn more about these special places and how you can continue to protect them through the free activities in the Natural Areas Explorer booklet. Some activities will be virtual and some will be in-person (with limited registration numbers, strict mask requirements, and physical distancing), so read carefully. You can also find upcoming activities at fcgov.com/register (links to Engage, the City's online registration system).
Pick It Up Foco
The Litterati Pick It Up FoCo Challenge is on! Next time you are out on a walk, hunting for teddy bears, or howling at the sunset, consider picking up litter too.
The safest and most impactful place to start is right in your neighborhood - stop litter before it gets to the river! The goal is to remove 5,000 pieces of litter from the community by August 1, 2020.
Learn how to pick up litter safely and download the Litterati app to track your progress
Foothills Management Plan
The Foothills Natural Areas Management Plan update describes various approaches to maintain and improve the rich plant and wildlife communities in the foothills while also managing for enjoyable, sustainable recreation access to these beautiful landscapes.
The final management plan is available now.