Nature in the City Resources#

Looking for information on how to add nature into your space? Check out our resources below to inspire you and help you get started! 

Native Plants

Nature in the City encourages the use of plants native to Colorado in order to provide the best local wildlife habitat. A 2017 study found that at least 75% native plant cover is needed for successful bird breeding! Not sure how to garden with natives? Don’t worry, it’s easy! Here are some resources to help you out: 

The City of Fort Collins Recommended Plant List - a searchable database of all plants recommended for the Fort Collins area 

Low Water Native Plants - Front Range and Foothills (Colorado Native Plant Society) 

Nature in the City's Maintenance Tips  

Critical Native Plant Species List for Larimer County Pollinators

Wildlife - Learn how to make your space better for wildlife and get certified!  

Audubon Rockies Habitat Heroes: https://rockies.audubon.org/habitat-hero  

National Wildlife Federation: https://www.nwf.org/garden-for-wildlife/certify  

Convert your Lawn - Convert your lawn to native plants to reduce water use and improve habitat. 

Lawn removal methods  (City of Fort Collins Utilities)

Native lawn fact sheet   (CSU Extension)

Webinar from CSU Extension “Native Lawn of Your Dreams”: https://youtu.be/glmgAFmscwI 

Design and Installation  - For the ultimate DIY, learn how to design your own space.

CSU Extension’s “Basics of Landscape Design” Webinar - https://youtu.be/Me4NlKmkwDc 

Find resources on irrigation, hardscape design and more on our partner’s website: Xeriscape Incentive Program  

Other Programs in Fort Collins 

Xeriscape Incentive Program: Rebate program for conversion of high-water need landscapes to low-water need landscapes. 

Garden in a Box: Look for the Naturally Native or Colorado Oasis Box for pre-selected native plants and a design that can be installed in your space right away. 

Community Canopy Project: Look to sign up this spring to purchase a tree at reduced cost. 

Free mulch: The Forestry Department offers free mulch at pick up locations around town. 

Water-Wise Landscape Rebates: Many different rebates are offered for upgrading your irrigation system to more water efficient appliances. 

Fun and Interesting Webinar Recordings 

Edible Native Plants: https://youtu.be/4te2Q4u1Jp4 

Where do the Insects Go for Winter?: https://youtu.be/UtZt-VdFQ5o 

Colorado Butterflies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcrIoR3fHTw&t=741s 

Find more on CSU Extension’s CO-Horts Page: http://csuhort.blogspot.com/p/csu-extension-spring-gardening-webinars.html  

Couldn’t find what you were looking for? Let us know!