Nature in the City grants will not be available in 2026 as staff work to update the Nature in the City Strategic Plan—look for opportunities to give your input this summer.

While grants are unavailable, there’s still plenty to dig into this year. Enjoy a series of free Sustainable Landscape classes designed to build skills, save water, and support pollinators and healthy ecosystems. All classes run from 5:30–7 p.m. at 222 Laporte Ave. Class registration closes one week prior to each class date.

DIY Turf Removal, Installation & Garden Maintenance (February 17)
Build confidence in removing turf, installing low-water landscapes, and managing weeds with strategies that support biodiversity and reduce chemical reliance.

Designing & Maintaining Pollinator Gardens (March 3)
Learn how to design pollinator habitats that are both beautiful and functional, supporting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

Xeriscaping with Trees in Mind: Dry Shade & Parkways (March 24)
Find solutions for difficult garden spaces while learning how to pair xeriscape practices with proper tree care.

Irrigation & Converting Your Sprinkler System to Drip (April 21)
Learn how to convert a traditional spray system to drip irrigation to save water and money, plus learn about water-saving incentives and resources for landscaping on a budget.

Fort Collins’ 19th Annual Winter Bike to Work (or Wherever) Day takes place on Thursday, Feb. 13, inviting riders of all experience levels to be part of the city’s biggest community ride. Swap a car trip for a bike ride, enjoy free breakfast along the way and connect with others who share Fort Collins’ trails and bikeways.

Dozens of breakfast and refreshment stations will be available throughout the city (while supplies last), with free bike safety checks at select locations. Natural Areas will host a morning station, stop by for a tasty breakfast and some fun swag.

When: Thursday, Feb. 13
Morning stations: 7–9:30 a.m.
Afternoon stations: 3:30–5:30 p.m.
Where: Stations throughout Fort Collins

Visit the Bike to Work Day page for additional details and the interactive station map.

When you visit a natural area, the experience isn’t just what you see, it’s also what you hear. Birdsong, wind in the leaves, and moving water are all part of the outdoor experience. Natural areas also help buffer urban noise, creating quieter spaces for both people and wildlife. Artificial noise can disrupt wildlife behavior, and according to the World Health Organization, exposure to excessive noise can also negatively affect human health.

You can help protect the sounds of nature, and enjoy them more, by following these tips:

• Listen first. Skip amplified sound and take in nature’s soundtrack. Quiet moments can reduce stress and increase opportunities to observe wildlife.

• Plan ahead. Match your activity to your setting and choose quieter gear when possible. Silence phones and electronics before heading out.

• Be considerate. Keep noise to a minimum, and remember that sound travels farther than you might expect.

• Move quietly. Walk, bike, or use alternative transportation to reduce both noise and emissions.

Learn more about why natural soundscapes matter in the Leave No Trace Soundscape Guidelines.

National Invasive Species Awareness Week is February 23–27. An invasive species is a non-native species that harms its new environment. 

Have you seen this invasive grass in your natural areas? Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) creates a large fire risk. It grows quickly in the spring and then seeds and dies in early summer, creating a thick fuel source. The Natural Areas Department, along with other agencies, are working to remove this harmful species from natural areas.

You can help stop the spread by cleaning your gear and shoes before and after leaving a natural area, throwing away any seeds you find. 

Schedule your 2026 events at Primrose Studio! This event space, located near Reservoir Ridge Natural Area, is perfect for gatherings of up to 36 people. Features include:

• State of the art projector and sound system
• Quiet, serene location
• Kitchen with reusable dishware
• Coffee and tea service

Book your special event at Primrose today! Questions? Email primrosestudio@fortcollins.gov

Eagle Watch at Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area

• Fridays and Saturdays from 3:30–5 p.m.

Afternoon Winter Wonderland: Smartphone Photography at Prospect Ponds Natural Area

Connect with nature during the winter season while learning how to capture it through your smartphone lens. This guided experience focuses on photographing ice and snow, using light and angles to highlight winter beauty, and simple editing and formatting tips.

Friday, Feb. 6 from 3:30–5 p.m.

Winter Exploration at Running Deer Natural Area

Learn how animals survive winter’s scarcity by migrating, hibernating, or staying active. Join Naturalist Rob Pickett for a guided hike exploring the fascinating adaptations animals use to make it through the cold months.

Saturday, Feb. 7 from 12:30–3:30 p.m.

Prairie Dogs: February Frenzy at Coyote Ridge Natural Area

February marks prairie dog breeding season, when behaviors shift dramatically. Observe and learn about prairie dog social dynamics, reproduction, and life cycles while hiking through an active colony.

Saturday, Feb. 14 from 9–11:30 a.m.

Sustainable Landscape Series: DIY Turf Removal, Installation & Garden Maintenance at 222 Laporte Ave.

Ready to dig into your landscape? Learn effective turf removal methods, xeriscape installation basics, and environmentally friendly maintenance strategies, including integrated pest management to reduce chemical use and support biodiversity.

Tuesday, Feb. 17 from 5:30–7 p.m.

Skygazing at Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area

Explore the night sky with volunteers from the Northern Colorado Astronomical Society. Telescopes will be provided as experts share insights about stars, planets, galaxies, and more.

Saturday, Feb. 21 from 7–9 p.m.

Winter Wildlife Adaptations at Coyote Ridge Natural Area

How do plants and animals survive Colorado winters? Learn about the remarkable adaptations of mammals, birds, insects, amphibians, and plants that allow them to thrive in cold conditions.

Saturday, Feb. 28 from 10–11:30 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.