Homestead 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#
Homestead Natural Area is along the Cache la Poudre River between Lincoln Avenue and Mulberry Street, adjacent to Woodward Technology Center. The 31 acre property was conveyed to the City by Woodward Company as part of the development agreement.
Restoration efforts lowered the unnaturally steep riverbanks, created a variety of habitats such as wetlands, and open water and allowed the natural regeneration of cottonwood trees, an important foundational part of the ecosystem. Cottonwoods are considered a key tree because they support such a diversity of wildlife, and they are part of what makes our beloved river corridor a shady retreat and recreational treasure. The vegetation will take several years to become fully established and a mature cottonwood forest will not be apparent for 30 years making Homestead a great place to watch ecological recovery unfold.
Homestead Natural Area helps to provide habitat for riparian (riverside) plants and wildlife, and serves as an important movement corridor. Waterfowl, owls, foxes, raccoons, squirrels, mink, beaver and a variety of songbirds use this area.
Photos#
Trails#
Approximately 0.25 miles of the paved Poudre Trail.
Hours#
5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily
Directions#
Nearest parking is at Mulberry/Lemay (Qdoba/Dairy Queen area), trail access from Poudre River Trail.
Events and Activities#
- Free educational activities and events from 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.
- Poudre River Natural Areas Management Plan