History of the Ranger Program
In 1997, the Natural Resources Department hired its first two Natural Areas and Trails Rangers. Today, the staff has expanded to eight full-time including two Lead Rangers in 2019 to accommodate greatly increased visitor use and to patrol additional natural areas.
Rangers are trained as emergency medical responders, wildland firefighters, search and rescue, ice and swift water rescue and similar skills. As important, each ranger has education, training, and broad experience as naturalists and as natural resource interpreters.
Visitor Services Staff
In addition to ranger staff, weekend seasonal staff assist visitors at regional natural areas (Gateway and Bobcat Ridge natural areas).
What is a Typical Day in the Life of a Ranger?
Patrolling natural areas and recreational trails to ensure visitor safety and natural resources protection.
Interpreting the ecology, wildlife use, and history of the natural areas to curious visitors.
Increasing visitors’ awareness of recreational opportunities, outdoor safety precautions, and ecological importance of natural areas.
Enforcing City of Fort Collins Municipal Code (Article IX, Section 23-193) regulating use on City of Fort Collins trails and Natural Areas.
Responding to and assisting during emergency situations.
Monitoring trail conditions and conducting surveys related to wildlife, visitor use, or other factors.
Participate in site management activities including trail management, routine maintenance of fences, gates, signs, and kiosks, and other duties.
Assist in the investigation of crimes in natural areas and along the trails, at the request of local police.
Work with Volunteer Ranger Assistants .
