Gustav Swanson Natural Area#
Trail Status
Public Engagement Update
Thank you to everyone who shared feedback about Kestrel Fields and Soapstone Prairie natural areas and the 21 natural areas along the Poudre River. Over 330 people participated in onsite drop-in events, online feedback opportunities, and presentations.
The feedback is being processed and will influence the trail alignment at Kestrel Fields, and how Soapstone Prairie and the Poudre River natural areas are managed.
Kestrel Fields Natural Area
- The feedback is informing exploration of an updated trail alignment. There will not be access from the Greyrock Commons private property.
- The entry sign will feature mountains in the background and a grasshopper in the kestrel's beak.
- Further updates will be available by the fall.
Soapstone Prairie/Mountains to Plains Zone Update
- Further engagement is underway (see feedback opportunity below) to respond to comments that its hard to tell when you have arrived at Soapstone Prairie and that the trail signage is confusing.
- Minor changes are being made to the Zone Update document and a final draft is expected in the fall.
Poudre River Natural Areas
- The feedback will inform the upcoming draft Zone Update.
Description#
A natural area just blocks from downtown Fort Collins, along the Poudre River. Interpretive signs and benches help you enjoy this special spot. When you visit, look for birds- over 45 species of birds have been seen here including green-winged teal, great blue herons, owls, kestrels, and Bullocks orioles. Bats, foxes, and deer are also seen here from time to time.
Gustav Swanson Natural Area was dedicated on July 31, 1988, as a "tribute to a man who, over many years, was instrumental in focusing community attention on the potential of the river corridor and the need to make this natural amenity more accessible."
Photos#
Gustav Swanson Natural Area in summer, Karl Manderbach
Gustav Swanson Natural Area
Gustav Swanson Natural Area in summer, Karl Manderbach
Gustav Swanson Natural Area
Trails#
0.4 miles paved (wheelchair accessible) View the trail map.
Hours#
5:00 a.m. 11:00 p.m.
Directions#
The parking lot is on Linden Street, between Riverside St. and Buckingham St. The approximate address is 445 Linden Street.
Events and Activities#
- Free educational activities and events in June-October are listed in the Natural Areas Explorer booklet.
- Last minute activity additions, trail recommendations and events offered between November-May are in our free monthly electronic newsletter- sign up on this page.
- Check out the Natural Areas Learning Library for some great self-guided activities.
Related Information#
- Know before you go safety and recreation information.
- Cache La Poudre Natural Areas Management Plan
- An article about Gustav Swanson in Bird Watchers Digest, September/October 1991.
- In Memoriam: Gustav Swanson from the Auk (A Quarterly Journal of Ornithology published by the American Ornithologists' Union), July 1996.
- Bird Checklist- Courtesy of Fort Collins Audubon Society
- Plant List for Gustav Swanson Natural Area. Volunteers were critical in making the list possible, thank you!
- Gustav Swanson Natural Area is an Important Bird Area, learn more here.