Natural Areas E-News November 2025
Green background with "Natural Areas" in white and "News" in lime green with City of Fort Collins Natural Areas logo on the right
Celebrating 10 Years of Bison Conservation

November 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of the bison release at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area and Red Mountain Open Space. In 2015, ten plains bison were reintroduced as part of the nationwide effort to restore this iconic species and the health of the shortgrass prairie ecosystem. 

The Laramie Foothills Bison Conservation Herd is a partnership between the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department, Colorado State University, and the Larimer County Department of Natural Resources. 

Today, the herd roams more than 2,700 acres and is considered a national model for bison restoration—successfully addressing three major challenges: genetics, disease, and habitat. With help from Colorado State University scientists, assisted reproductive technology preserved the valuable Yellowstone genetic line while eliminating the risk of brucellosis, a disease harmful to cattle. 

Since then, the herd has grown and strengthened. Nearly 100 bison have been transferred to tribal, federal, and private conservation herds across the country. 

Thank you for supporting a decade of prairie restoration and species recovery. Community-initiated sales taxes make efforts like this possible—funding trails, educational programs, habitat restoration, and long-term stewardship. 
Learn More About the Herd

Community Insights Guide Montane Zone Planning

The results are in from the Montane Zone community engagement. Thank you to everyone who shared their input!

Natural Areas staff are using your feedback to shape how Natural Areas Values are reflected in the Montane Zone and to develop actionable tactics that will guide future management. Key feedback themes included protecting wildlife and habitat, maintaining high-quality trails, and continuing positive visitor experiences.

A draft Montane Zone Update will be available for public comment in spring 2026. Visit the OurCity Montane Zone Update page to explore the full results.
Montane Zone Update Page

Bag it, Pack it, Trash it

Did you know that Fort Collins dogs leave behind nearly 18,000 pounds of waste every day? That’s about 6.5 million pounds a year, or 235 dump trucks’ worth!

Dog waste is the third largest contributor of bacterial pollution in urban waterways. When it’s left on the ground, rain and snow melt wash it into storm drains and eventually into rivers and lakes, where it releases harmful bacteria and nutrients that can lead to algae blooms and low oxygen levels, threatening fish and other aquatic life.

You can make a big difference by remembering to bag it up, pack it out, and trash it. Thank you for helping protect your waterways, wildlife, and outdoor spaces by leaving no trace on the trail.
Learn More About Dogs at Natural Areas

Soapstone Prairie Seasonal Closure

November is the last month to enjoy Soapstone Prairie Natural Area before it closes for the winter season. The natural area will be closed from December 1 through February 28 and will reopen on March 1, 2026.

Don’t forget your water, sun protection, and layers as you take advantage of these final weeks for hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, or simply relaxing at Soapstone before winter arrives.

Before you go, check COTREX at trails.colorado.gov for the latest updates and trail conditions. 
Visit Soapstone Prairie

Free Native Seed Swap

Get ready for the annual Native Plant Seed Swap and Giveaway on Sunday, Nov. 16, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Gardens on Spring Creek (2145 Centre Ave, Fort Collins). Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just getting started, you’ll find a great selection of free native seeds: annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, and grasses, ranging from easy to challenging to grow.

No seeds? No problem! You don’t need to bring any to participate. One native plant can produce hundreds of seeds, so there’s always plenty to share. Come ready to swap, connect, and learn more about growing native plants. Visit FrontRange.WildOnes.org for more information.
Full Event Details

Boards and Commissions Open House

Curious about what happens on a City board or commission? Find out on Monday, Nov. 17, at the Boards and Commissions Open House happening from 5-7:30 p.m. at City Hall (300 Laporte Ave). Explore 22 different boards and commissions, meet current members, and discover how you can make a difference in Fort Collins.

Nearly all boards and commissions will have openings in 2026, with applications open Dec. 1, 2025–Jan. 9, 2026. Learn more at fcgov.com/boards.
Fort Collins Boards and Commissions

Skygazing at Fossil Creek Reservoir

    Join an unforgettable evening under the stars! Volunteers from the Northern Colorado Astronomical Society will be at Fossil Creek Reservoir with telescopes, ready to share their knowledge of the cosmos. Planets, galaxies, and more await you. Dress for temperatures 20 degrees cooler than the actual temperature and bring a blanket or chair to sit on while you admire the skies. Binoculars are encouraged. Please note, pets are not permitted at Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area.

    Drop-in anytime! This event is free. Register today to receive email reminders and notices of cancellations.
    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