Kingfisher Point Natural Area
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Trail Status:
Description
Recreationists on the Poudre River Trail, anglers and people looking for a nature break in the city enjoy Kingfisher Point Natural Area. You might see birds such as great horned owls (they occasionally nest here), kingfishers, wood ducks, pelicans and western tanagers. On a warm evening, you might hear chorus frogs.
Some portions of Kingfisher Point do not look like you might expect a natural area to look. That is because sugar beet waste was dumped on the land for many years. The resulting lime, while not a hazardous material, is more hospitable to the invasive weed, kochia, than to native plants. Part of Kingfisher Point was once a farm. Restoration is in progress- watch how this site changes over the years, gradually returning to its natural state. Part of Kingfisher Point Natural Area was acquired with the help of a Great Outdoors Colorado grant.
Ponds near the parking lot (west side of Timberline Road) are enjoyed by anglers and occasionally by boaters (non-motorized). More fishing details are listed here.
Photos
Fort Collins Natural Areas Program offices from Kingfisher Point Natural Area, Karl Manderbach
Kingfisher Point Natural Area, Matt Parker
Trails
Approximately 0.8 miles of the paved Poudre Trail (wheelchair accessible), 0.2 miles soft surface trail from parking lot on Timberline. Note that there is no trailhead parking at 1745 Hoffman Mill Road. A short spur trail goes from the Poudre Trail south to the Natural Areas Department's headquarters and maintenance facility (called Nix Farm). Check out the native plant demonstration garden that surrounds the office (Monday- Friday, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.). Native Plant Garden Brochure.
Kingfisher Point Natural Area Hours
5:00 a.m. 11:00 p.m.
Directions
Parking lot on Timberline, between Prospect and Mulberry (approximate address is 745 South Timberline Road) or from Poudre Trail between Lemay and Timberline.
Activities & Events
- Free educational activities and events in June-October are listed in the Tracks & Trails booklet guide.
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- Last minute activity additions, trail recommendations and events offered between November-May are in our free monthly electronic newsletter- sign up in the upper right-hand corner of this page.
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- Free educational programs at Kingfisher Point Natural Area are available for groups by request, call the Master Naturalist Program at 970-224-6118 or email c2tlbm5leUBmY2dvdi5jb20= .
Related Information
- Know before you go safety and recreation information.
- Kingfisher Point is adopted by Turning Point, thank you! By picking up litter, volunteer adopters enhance habitat for wildlife and native plants while increasing fellow visitors' enjoyment.
- The flume and bridge at Kingfisher Point is on the National Historic Register, read the press release here.
- Video about the Great Western Sugar Beet Effluent Flume
- Poudre River Natural Areas Management Plan