The Coterie Natural Area#
Trail Status
Prairie Dog Management at The Coterie#
Number of Prairie Dog burrows at The Coterie
This fall, you will see prairie dog management work at The Coterie Natural Area. The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department routinely manages prairie dog populations in natural areas to both provide sustainable conditions for colonies and to mitigate potential conflicts with natural area neighbors. For many years now, prairie dogs at The Coterie have expanded beyond the natural areas boundaries into the adjacent Parks-managed disc golf course, the Forestry Department tree nursery, and the electrical substation. Recently, with regional dry conditions causing many prairie dog colonies to expand, the severity and impact of these expansions has increased significantly creating public safety issues including potential electrical equipment failure.
Natural Areas will coordinate a multi-departmental effort to greatly reduce the number of prairie dogs at The Coterie. Prairie dogs that have moved beyond the natural area will be lethally managed via carbon monoxide within the burrow system. This method is considered the most humane approach and results in no secondary poisoning risk. Prairie dogs within The Coterie will be trapped and donated to the Black-footed Ferret Recovery Program. After all management actions are complete, a small colony of prairie dogs will remain within the natural area.
Contact Matt Parker, Natural Areas Ecological Stewardship Manager at 970-416-2433 or mparker@fcgov.com.
Description#
A coterie is a family group of prairie dogs. A coterie typically consists of one adult male, several adult females, and their offspring- its a closely knit group, recognizing each other by an identifying kiss or sniff. Family groups cooperate to raise young, construct burrows, groom each other, play and defend the coterie territory.
The Natural Areas Department acquired The Coterie Natural Area in 2000 in order to protect the prairie dog colony. Bicyclists and pedestrians on the trail often stop to watch the antics of these active creatures.
Photos#
Trails#
0.1 miles of the paved (wheelchair accessible) Spring Creek Trail goes through The Coterie Natural Area.
Hours#
5:00 a.m. 11:00 p.m.
Directions#
Nearest parking is Edora Park on Riverside Street, trail access from Spring Creek Trail. The Coterie has no entrance fee.
Activities and Events#
- Find free educational activities and events year-round on the Events Calendar. Activities and events in June-October are also listed in the Natural Areas Explorer.
- Learn about special events and activities each month by subscribing to the Natural Areas e-newsletter.
- Check out the Natural Areas Learning Library for self-guided activities.
Related Information#
- Know before you go safety and recreation information.
- Plant List for The Coterie Natural Area. Volunteers were critical in making the list possible, thank you!
- Core Natural Areas Management Plan
- Special people have volunteered to take an active role in the stewardship of natural areas by doing monthly litter pick-ups. You can join the fun and adopt a natural area, too!
- Wildlife Management Guidelines