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

Ecosystem Wonders, Saturday, August 25, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Riverbend Ponds Natural Area, meet at the parking lot. This diverse ecosystem provides riparian forests, ponds, river views, diverse grasses, and many birds. Journal through drawing and writing what delights your eyes and heart. No art experience required! Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Bring drinking water, a snack if you like, and something to sit on (a stool, jacket, pad, etc.). Feel free to bring your own art supplies or borrow ours.0.5 miles; easy. 9+. Free, registration required at fcgov.com/register

Geology-Ecology Exploration: Walk the Gangplank. Saturday, August 25, 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Soapstone Prairie, meet at the north parking lot. Explore with experts in geology and ecology and discover the geologic secrets of rocks shed from the Rocky Mountains and how these influence human and wildlife activity. Bring sun protection, lunch, water, sturdy shoes, and rain gear. 5-6 miles; moderate. 12+. Free, registration required at fcgov.com/register

River Bike Tour, Saturday, August 25, 10:00 a.m. - noon, Lee Martinez Park, meet at the parking lot near the tennis courts. For beginner and advanced riders alike! Bring your bike and helmet. Bike through two natural areas while learning fascinating information about the river corridor and how it supports humans, wildlife, and plants. Different distance options available. Bring water and sun protection. Free, registration required at fcgov.com/register

Weird Wild Weather, Sunday, August 26, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., 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

Full Moon Night Walk, Sunday, August 26, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m., Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, meet at the parking lot. Walks are offered near the full moon with lots of natural light – no need for flashlights! Dress warmly, wear closed-toe shoes, and bring water to drink. The program will include a 1-2 mile walk on unpaved trails, easy. 16+. 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!