Natural Areas E-News July 2025
Green background with "Natural Areas" in white and "News" in lime green with City of Fort Collins Natural Areas logo on the right
Fishmas in July!

Have you noticed unusual foliage sticking out of ponds in your natural areas? It's part of a ponds’ habitat improvement project. This past spring, Natural Areas worked in partnership and community investment with The City of Fort Collins Streets Department and Forestry Division, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the Boy Scouts of America to collect, transport and recycle more than 150 Christmas trees.

The trees were sunk into five ponds across three natural areas, creating underwater cover that helps small fish hide and grow—while attracting larger fish on the hunt. It's a festive habitat improvement for native and sport fish alike—a holiday gift that keeps on giving.

Stay Safe This Summer

Stay safe when visiting your natural areas this summer by being prepared for hazards, including rattlesnakes and lightning.

Be snake awake! If you see a rattlesnake, give them time and space to move off the trail. Walk in the center of the trail whenever possible and keep your pets on leash to keep them safe. While you can encounter a rattlesnake at anytime of day and in any natural area, you are more likely to encounter rattlesnakes at Bobcat Ridge, Coyote Ridge, Pineridge, Reservoir Ridge, and Cathy Fromme Prairie natural areas.

When thunder roars, go indoors! Check the weather before you go and avoid afternoon outings when lightning is more frequent. Lightning often precedes rain; so don't wait for the rain to begin before suspending activities.

If you see or hear lightning during your visit, follow these steps:

  1. Stop all outdoor activities.
  2. Seek safety in vehicles, buildings, or low areas. Avoid water, high ground, and open space.
  3. Wait 30 minutes after the storm has passed before hiking.
Learn More Outdoor Safety

Bring Your Own Water

Remember to bring your own water for you and your pets when visiting your natural areas. Harmful algal blooms are in local ponds. They can be toxic to humans, pets, fish, and wildlife. Mid-summer through early fall is the most common time for algal blooms to occur. Keep you and your family safe by following these tips:

  • Keep pets out of water and bring clean water for them to drink.
  • Never drink water from outdoor water bodies such as ponds, lakes, rivers, or streams.
  • If you touch the water, use hand sanitizer, and wash your hands with soap.
Learn More about Algae Blooms

From Ideas to Impact: Nature in the City

Since 2015, Nature in the City has enhanced more than 92,000 square feet of urban space, supported 10 community-led implementation grants, and helped bring more natural spaces to where Fort Collins lives, works, and plays.

With a fresh new look and the same powerful mission, Nature in the City continues to help connect people, plants, and wildlife across Fort Collins by helping fund projects that bring natural spaces into your neighborhoods and communities.

Fort Collins’ natural areas and programs like this are made possible thanks to community-initiated sales taxes that support trails, educational activities, restoration and stewardship.
More About Nature in the City

Fishing in Your Natural Areas

Fishing can be a great way to explore your natural areas! Did you know there are 16 natural areas that allow fishing? If you choose to go fishing this summer, use these helpful resources for a successful trip:
Natural Areas Fishing

Free Upcoming Activities
View the Event Calendar

Natural Areas News is published on the first Tuesday of the month with occasional special editions. Newsletter comments are welcome. Please contact Rachel Balduzzi, City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Public Engagement Sr Supervisor, 970-224-6153 or rbalduzzi@fcgov.com. 

To learn more about Natural Areas, visit our website.

City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department
PO Box 580, 1745 Hoffman Mill Road
Fort Collins, CO 80522