Calling all Cameras! Natural Areas Photo Contest

Get outside, enjoy photography and explore your natural areas. Photo contest details here

Soapstone Prairie Natural Area Tours

Soapstone Prairie is 18,000 acres of undulating native prairies, unique rock and cliff formations, abundant wildlife and the archaeologically-significant Lindenmier Site. It's a landscape of unimaginable beauty. Experience Soapstone yourself! Preview Tour schedule and information (pdf) >>>

Soapstone Prairie Natural Area website

NEW! Tours of the Cache La Poudre River

Meet the beautiful Poudre River as it flows near downtown Fort Collins. You'll discover a natural green corridor with trails, wildlife and human history, just blocks from Old Town.
Tour Schedule and details(pdf).

Discover Bobcat Ridge Natural Area

A season of exciting events is underway at Bobcat Ridge!

• July Programs and Activities are listed in the Bobcat Prowl newsletter
• Children and Family Programs are scheduled for the summer too!
• 
  

More about Bobcat Ridge Natural Area and visiting tips >>>

New Natural Areas Map Available

Maps can be found at natural area trailheads, by stopping by the Natural Areas Program office (directions at top of page), at the City of Fort Collins Natural Resources Department (215 N. Mason) or request that one be sent to you by emailing

Natural Areas are naturally yours! You are welcome to explore and help care for these special places. The City's Natural Areas Program manages over 36,000 acres locally and regionally, so there is likely a natural area near you!

• Natural Areas Map (PDF 17.5MB)

Most Fort Collins natural areas are open for your enjoyment and recreation from 5 a.m. until 11 p.m. except for Bobcat Ridge Natural Area and Gateway Natural Area which are both open from dawn to dusk.

Natural areas are funded by citizen-initiated city and county sales taxes. The funds from these taxes, by law, are dedicated to the Natural Areas Program and may not be used for other parts of the city government.

The Natural Areas Program’s mission is to conserve and enhance lands with existing or potential natural area values, lands that serve as community separators, agricultural lands, and lands with scenic values. Conservation of natural habitats and features is the highest priority while providing education and recreation for the Fort Collins community.

Why Are Natural Areas Important?

Natural Areas are valuable for many reasons!

• Recreation - natural areas provide a respite from the urban environment. Natural Areas are a place to hike, bike, walk your dog, ride your horse, bird watch, fish, create art, write, or just enjoy some quiet time outdoors.
• Education - natural areas are an outdoor classroom for students of every age.
• Scientific - natural areas are used by scientists to collect data.
• Economic - natural areas make Fort Collins an attractive place to do business.
• Cultural - natural areas protect traces of our past.
• Ecological - natural areas filter our water and air, prevent flooding and provide habitat for wildlife and native plants.
• Aesthetic - the opportunity to hear a creek babbling, see a bird soaring, watch the sun reflect off a dewy spider web, smell a wildflower; these are all experiences to treasure.
• Add your own reason here!