A new year is a great time to reset, recharge, and spend time outside in ways that feel good to you. Whether you’re setting resolutions or simply following your curiosity, here are a few easy ways to enjoy more time outdoors in 2026:

• Explore a new trail. Walk or ride a trail you haven’t visited before.
  Resolution idea: Discover one new trail each week/month/season.

• Visit a different natural area. Experience a place you haven’t been yet.
  Resolution idea: Bring a friend or family member. The outdoors are better shared.

• Look for wildlife. Spend a moment observing animals in their winter habitat.
  Resolution idea: Observe wildlife during each season of the year.

• Leave it better. Help care for natural areas by picking up litter and always bagging and binning pet waste.
  Resolution idea: Pick up at least one piece of trash each time you visit.

However you choose to start the year, we wish you a healthy and happy 2026 filled with plenty of time outdoors.

Submit your original artwork, poetry, or prose for publication in the 2026 Natural Areas Explorer! Natural areas exist because of community support. We invite you to submit art that reflects your personal or collective experiences in Fort Collins Natural Areas, whether through fun activities, beautiful views, wildlife encounters, conservation success stories, or moments of community connection and stewardship. Share what makes you love natural areas and how these outdoor spaces shape your life and community in Fort Collins. Submissions are due Friday, January 30, 2026. A limited number of submissions will be selected. Please only submit finalized works.

Selected artists will have the opportunity to display their work in the Old Town Library during May and June for the community to enjoy! (this exposure opportunity will take the place of financial compensation). 

Submit finalized artwork proposals by emailing them to Lauren Hennessey at Lhennessey@fcgov.com. 

Since 1993, the City of Fort Collins has worked to conserve and care for the natural areas in the Fossil Creek zone, just south of Harmony Road. Today, the City’s Natural Areas Department currently manages 11 areas in this zone. These natural areas range from the small 30-acre Two Creeks Natural Area to the large 1,438-acre Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area. Together, they provide important habitat for more than 280 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish throughout the year.

The Fossil Creek zone is not only rich in wildlife it also holds important ecological, geological, archaeological, and historic features. Community members can enjoy these spaces through a variety of paved trails that support recreation, health, and everyday travel. The Long View and Front Range trails connect Fort Collins with Loveland, while the Fossil Creek Trail stretches across much of the city, from the foothills all the way to Fossil Creek Community Park.

The Fossil Creek Zone Management Plan will be updated soon. Starting this spring, community members will have opportunities to share feedback and help shape the future of this important area. Comment opportunities will be announced in this newsletter and at fortcollins.gov/naturalareas.

Ready to transform your yard into a beautiful garden that saves water and supports pollinators? Sign up for one or more free classes in the Sustainable Landscape Series! Classes cover how to assess your site and apply core landscape design principles, along with focused topics such as turf removal, gardening for pollinators, gardening in the shade, and long-term landscape maintenance. Whether you’re starting small or planning a larger project, these classes offer practical guidance you can use right away.

When: February 3–April 21
Where: 222 Laporte Ave.
Cost: Free

The City’s new website launched Dec. 10, offering a fresh new look designed to help you find what you need quickly and confidently. The official .gov domain underscores reliable and accurate information, while clear navigation and simplified information make exploring City programs and services easy. With fully-accessible features and customer-focused design, FortCollins.gov was built with our community in mind. Stay informed and continue connecting with your City and Natural Areas through FortCollins.gov.

With the winter season, there is an increased chance for snow and muddy trail closures. Closing the trail when it's muddy helps to protect them from erosion and long-term damage. You can help protect your natural areas by keeping these winter trail tips in mind:

• Check COTREX before you go for current trail conditions and closures
• Wear sturdy, weather-appropriate footwear and stay on designated trails
• Walk through mud, not around it, to prevent trail widening
• Pick up dog waste and throw it in the garbage to keep it from washing into waterways during snowmelt
• Give wildlife plenty of space and keep dogs leashed at all times

Every step makes a difference. Thank you for recreating responsibly all year long.

Eagle Watch at Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area

• Fridays and Saturdays, 3–4:30 p.m. (Dec. 12–Jan. 31) and 3:30–5 p.m. (Feb. 6–28)

Prairie Dog Survival at Coyote Ridge Natural Area

How do prairie dogs survive harsh prairie winters? Join a guided hike through a prairie dog colony to learn about the remarkable adaptations and strategies that help these animals thrive year-round. The hike continues up to the cabin area, with time for questions, photography and discussion along the way.

• Saturday, Jan. 17 from 9–11:30 a.m.

Winter Nature Journaling at Nix Farm Natural Area

Slow down and explore the beauty of winter through nature journaling at Nix Farm Natural Area. Learn simple ways to record your observations using art, poetry and prose while building awareness of winter forms and wildlife adaptations. Guided activities will introduce easy-to-use art materials and techniques. This accessible, creative program is welcoming to all skill levels.

• Friday, Jan. 23 from 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

Skygazing at Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area

Join an unforgettable evening under the stars with volunteers from the Northern Colorado Astronomical Society. Telescopes will be provided as experts share insights into stars, planets and galaxies. Dress warmly and bring a blanket or chair for comfort, along with binoculars, if you have them, for even better viewing.

• Friday, Jan. 23 from 7–9 p.m.

Morning Winter Wonderland: Smartphone Photography at Prospect Ponds Natural Area

Connect with nature through your smartphone during this winter photography walk. Learn tips for capturing snow and ice, using light and angles to highlight winter beauty, and simple editing techniques. This easy, guided outing is perfect for beginners and anyone looking to see winter landscapes in a new way.

• Saturday, Jan. 24, 9:30–11:30 a.m.

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@fortcollins.gov

To learn more about Natural Areas, visit our website.