Natural Areas is excited to announce that in October, a new trail will open at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. The Elk Meadow Trail winds 1.75 miles through the valley, crossing seasonal streams and passing dramatic rock formations, with sweeping views of redrock cliffs and foothills. Named for the elk often seen in the area, this easy-to-moderate route connects the existing trail system near the historic cabin and the northeast section of the Valley Loop Trail, just 1.5 miles from the trailhead, and provides access to 675 newly conserved acres. 

The Elk Meadow Trail opens to hikers, bikers and horseback riders (no dogs allowed at Bobcat Ridge) on Saturday, Oct. 11. A family-friendly celebration will take place the same day—drop in between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the historic cabin for cake, souvenir stickers, and activities for all ages. Visitors with disabilities can request accommodation by emailing naturalareas@fcgov.com or calling 970-416-2815. 

The newly conserved land, the trail, and the celebration are made possible by voter-supported sales tax ballot measures that fund land conservation, trails and educational efforts. 

Ever wonder how new trails are built? Come find out and be part of the process! Before the Elk Meadow Trail at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area opens this fall, Natural Areas needs volunteers to help put on the finishing touches.

Join a hands-on volunteer project on Saturday, Sept. 13 or Friday, Sept. 19, from 8 a.m.–noon. Together, we'll rake, move material, and prevent erosion to smooth and finish the new trail. This active, outdoor work is a great way to make a difference and leave your mark on a community trail.

Natural Areas will provide gloves, tools, and snacks. Please come prepared with sturdy, closed-toe shoes, long sleeves/pants, sun protection, and a water bottle. Parking is limited, so carpooling is encouraged. Volunteers ages 12+ are welcome.

Volunteers ages 12 and older are welcome.

• Sign up for Saturday, Sept. 13 from 8 a.m. to noon
• Sign up for Friday, Sept. 19 from 8 a.m. to noon

Can’t make it? Check out another great volunteer opportunity, National Public Lands Day Volunteer Event, on Saturday, Sept. 27, 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and help out with a variety of trail-related projects at Pineridge Natural Area.

After months of collaboration and more than 5,000 community touchpoints, the Natural Areas Strategic Framework was adopted on consent! Your voices shaped this plan, reflecting the ideas and priorities of the community while setting a clear direction for the future of conservation in Fort Collins.

The Strategic Framework is an update to the 2014 Natural Areas Master Plan, with an updated approach to the challenges and opportunities looking ahead to the next 10-20 years of conservation. It will guide the next level of planning through management zone updates.

Thank you for being part of the process! Read the full Strategic Framework and learn more by visiting the OurCity Strategic Framework Page or contacting naturalareas@fcgov.com to request a copy.

Latino Conservation Week is September 13–21, and you’re invited to join two exciting events that bring together nature and community! Kick off the week with Camina el Río • Wade the River on Saturday, September 13 from 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. at Lee Martinez Park! Dip your feet into the Poudre River and discover the aquatic life that calls it home with help from local biologists. All ages welcome—equipment provided, bilingual staff available. 

On Wednesday, September 17, head to The Lyric Cinema for ¡Charlas Relámpago! Lightning Talks from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and enjoy short, engaging 5-minute talks in Spanish and English on conservation topics—with simultaneous interpretation. Complimentary popcorn and soda included!

Connect with community, hear fresh ideas, and celebrate conservation together.

Have a vision for a project that connects people and wildlife in your community? Now’s your chance to Make It Happen! Nature in the City’s Implementation Grant applications are officially open for 2026 grant funds. Apply now for funding awards ranging from $5,000–$60,000 to support ready-to-go projects like outdoor classrooms, pollinator gardens, nature play areas, wildlife habitat improvements, and more.

Applications will be due by midnight on October 20, 2025, so learn how to apply and start preparing today! Need some inspiration? Check out past recipient's projects.

• First Friday Art Walk  on Friday, September 5, 5:30–9 p.m. at Tellus Outdoor.
• Ghostly Echoes from the Last Ice Age on Saturday, September 6, 10–11 a.m. at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area.
• Adaptive Equipment Expo on Wednesday, September 10, 4:30–6:30 p.m. at the Senior Center.
• Let’s Explore: Arapaho Bend Natural Area on Thursday, September 11, 5:30–7:30 p.m. at Arapaho Bend Natural Area.
• Skygazing on Friday, September 12, 7:15–9:15 p.m. at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area.
• Senior Center Photo Gallery Open House on Saturday, September 13, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Senior Center.
• Elk Meadow New Trail Work on Saturday, September 13, 8 a.m.–12 p.m. at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area.
• Camina el río • Wade the River on Saturday, September 13, 9:30 a.m.–12 p.m. at Lee Martinez Park.
• Hero Fest on Saturday, September 13, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at Front Range Village.
• Open Streets on Sunday, September 14, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. on Lady Moon Dr. between Le Fever Dr. and Shallow Pond Dr.
• ¡Charlas relámpago! Lightning Talks on Wednesday, September 17, 6:30–8:30 p.m. at The Lyric Cinema.
• Arapaho Bend Pond Clean-Up - LGBTQ+ Community Activity on Thursday, September 18, 8:30–11:30 a.m. at Arapaho Bend Natural Area.
• Nature’s Magic Hour Photography on Thursday, September 18, 5:30–7:30 p.m. at Riverbend Ponds Natural Area.
• Elk Meadow New Trail Work on Friday, September 19, 8 a.m.–12 p.m. at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area.
• The Smithsonian at Lindenmeier on Friday, September 19, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area.
• Ghostly Echoes from the Last Ice Age on Saturday, September 20, 10–11 a.m. at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area.
• Primrose Tour on Saturday, September 20, 6–7 p.m. at Primrose Studio.
• “Just Be” Yoga and Meditation Retreat / “Simplemente ser” retiro de yoga y meditación on Sunday, September 21, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. at Primrose Studio.
• Forest Therapy on Wednesday, September 24, 1–3 p.m. at Gateway Natural Area.
• Nature Lovers Adventure Series: Conservation Agriculture and Native Seeds on Wednesday, September 24, 5–6:30 p.m. at Kestrel Fields.
• National Public Lands Day Volunteer Event on Saturday, September 27, 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. at Pineridge Natural Area.
• Healthy by Nature – Saludable por Naturaleza on Saturday, September 27, 12–3 p.m. at Lee Martinez Park.

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.