In the summer of 2023, then seven-year-old Porter and his mom, Jessica, set out with an incredible goal—to visit all 52 Fort Collins Natural Areas. Over the course of their adventure, they explored the diverse landscapes that make Fort Collins’ natural areas so special, with Porter snapping a photo at each sign and trail marker to remember the journey.

Friends and family joined along the way, making their mission not only a personal challenge but also a celebration of community and connection to nature. Jessica shared, “We completed that goal and had the best time exploring all the beautiful places in FoCo.”

A huge congratulations to Porter and his family for completing this amazing adventure—and for inspiring all of us to get outside and discover the beauty in our own backyard.

The North College Corridor is changing—and your voice is key to shaping its future. Join the City of Fort Collins and the Urban Renewal Authority for an open house from 6–8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9, at the Northside Aztlan Center.

Learn about upcoming projects, including improvements to the North Mason stormwater system and road alignment, redevelopment of the former grocery store site, upgrades to local parks and natural areas, and other urban renewal initiatives. Ask questions, share your ideas, and help guide the next chapter for the North College Corridor.

Looking to add vibrant fall color to your garden? Rabbitbrush (Ericameria sp.) is a hardy native shrub that blooms from August through October, lighting up the landscape with vibrant yellow flowers. Beyond its beauty, rabbitbrush plays an important role in supporting wildlife—providing vital nutrition for bees and butterflies, cover for nesting birds, and even forage for overwintering wildlife of all sizes.

This drought-tolerant shrub thrives in tough soils, making it a great choice for waterwise landscapes. Have a smaller garden? Try baby blue rabbitbrush, a compact variety that delivers all the same pollinator benefits in a smaller package. 

Celebrate a decade of collaboration at the 10th Annual Colorado Pollinator Summit—Empowered for Pollinators! Join researchers, educators, and pollinator advocates from across Colorado to share knowledge, inspire action, and shape the next decade of pollinator conservation. The Colorado Pollinator Summit takes place Nov. 13–14 at CU Boulder’s Williams Village—and don’t miss the first-ever (free!) Youth Pollinator Summit on Nov. 15 at the CU Museum of Natural History.

Reminder: Applications for 2026 Make it Happen: Implementation Grants are due by midnight October 20, 2025. Awards vary from $5,000–$60,000 to support ready-to-go projects ranging from small natural spaces that need better wildlife habitat to larger community initiatives like outdoor classrooms, community gardens, nature play areas, and more! Anyone from HOA's, faith-based organizations, affordable housing communities, and schools are welcome and encouraged to apply. Learn more about Nature in the City and apply today!

• Forest Therapy on Wednesday, October 8, 1–3 p.m. at Gateway Natural Area.
• Skygazing on Friday, October 10, 6:30–8:30 p.m. at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area.
• Fall Marvelous Migration on Saturday, October 11, 7:30–9:30 a.m. at Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area.
• Elk Meadow Trail Opening Celebration on Saturday, October 11, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area.
• Teen Self Care Fair on Sunday, October 12, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. at Fort Collins Museum of Discovery.
• Photography Hike: Practice Your Skills! on Friday, October 17, 7:30–9:30 a.m. at Riverbend Ponds Natural Area.
• Homesteaders of Soapstone Prairie on Saturday, October 18, 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area.
• Bird Watching for Novice and Intermediate Birders on Sunday, October 19, 7–9:30 a.m. at Arapaho Bend Natural Area.
• Meet the Boo Crew on Saturday, October 25, 1:30–3:30 p.m. at Gateway Natural Area.

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.