In 2025, Natural Areas volunteers showed up in a big way. With 800 total participants, including 388 ongoing contributors, volunteers contributed 13,011 hours to the community.

Those hours tell quite a story. Volunteers picked up 603 bags of trash, 562 dog waste bags, and 2,000 pieces of single-use plastic, helping keep our natural areas clean and healthy. They also donated over 2,400 stunning images, logged 3,600 hours patrolling trails, and helped deliver more than 300 public activities and events throughout the year.

At the end of March, Natural Areas had the joy of hosting a Volunteer Appreciation Celebration, bringing together volunteers and their families who make all of this work possible. That celebration was a reminder of what makes this work so meaningful: Every hour spent on the trail, behind a camera, or at a community event reflects the deep love this community has for one another and for our natural spaces.

Thank you to each and every Natural Areas volunteer!

The Timber Trail at Pineridge Natural Area will be temporarily closed from April 20 – May 15 for scheduled trail maintenance.

During this time, crews will be using equipment and hand tools to repair erosion and improve trail drainage. Boardwalk improvements are also planned, with some aging structures being removed and others replaced to better support increased traffic. Some sections of trail will also be rock hardened to boost long-term durability while preserving the trail's intermediate technical nature.

Thank you for your patience as we work to keep this trail in great shape for years to come!

Here's some good news for all you eager spring gardeners: the best stewardship action you could take for pollinators right now is to slow down and relax. 

All kinds of wonderful critters are taking refuge in your garden, leaf piles, dead branches, and perennial deadheads from last year. For example, here’s a ladybug found in a bed of rocky mountain penstemons. The general rule to help beneficial insects is to leave your garden undisturbed for as long as you can handle it, try to leave it alone until mid-May.

The Xerces Society has great tips to help you decide when to start playing in the garden. To pass the time until gardening begins and get native plant inspiration, check out City of Fort Collins Recommended Plant List. This searchable database is designed to help you find plants best suited to your specific yard conditions. Whether you're looking for drought-tolerant, pollinator-friendly or native species, this tool makes it easy to select sustainable plants that thrive in our local environment.

Did you know light pollution is increasing by about 10% every year? In the United States and Europe, 99% of the public can no longer experience a truly natural night, and the effects go far beyond missing out on the stars.

Darkness does more than reveal the cosmos. It supports our sleep and well-being, protects nocturnal wildlife and ecosystems, fuels scientific discovery, and preserves cultural traditions that have looked to the night sky for thousands of years.

This April 13–20, join people around the world in celebrating International Dark Sky Week! While outdoor lighting is sometimes necessary, small, thoughtful changes can make a big difference. Learn more about the Five Principles for Outdoor Lighting and take action to protect natural darkness for future generations.

Skygazing at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area

Step away from the city lights and into the cosmos! Volunteers from the Northern Colorado Astronomical Society will be on hand with telescopes and plenty of knowledge to share. From nearby planets to distant galaxies, there's no shortage of wonders to discover. Bring a blanket or chair and binoculars to enhance your view and enjoy the beauty of the universe.

• Friday, Apr. 10 from 7:30–9:30 p.m.

National Volunteer Week Earth Day Trail Project at Pineridge Natural Area

This Earth Day, come dig in alongside fellow community members at Pineridge Natural Area for a morning of meaningful work in one of Fort Collins' most cherished open spaces. From refreshing worn boardwalks and tidying up trails to cleaning the shores of Dixon Reservoir and installing wildlife-friendly trash cans, every task plays a real role in keeping this special place thriving. This year, you can choose from two volunteer sessions, a morning session or an afternoon session, making it easier than ever to participate.

• Thursday, Apr. 23 from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Apr. 23 from 1–4:30 p.m.

Volunteers ages 8 and older are welcome, creating a great opportunity for families and friends to serve together. Space is limited and registration is required.

Skills and Techniques for Nature Photography at Nix Office, 1745 Hoffman Mill Road

Whether you're a beginner or looking to sharpen your eye, this indoor workshop is designed to help you get more out of every shot in the field. Topics include camera types and lenses, settings, sharpening, and basic editing. A follow-up photography hike will give you the chance to put new skills into practice.

• Wednesday, May 6 from 6–7:45 p.m.

World Migratory Bird Day Birding Walks at Riverbend Ponds Natural Area

Every bird counts, and your observations matter! Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day with Natural Areas volunteer naturalists at Riverbend Ponds, one of Fort Collins' best spots for catching migratory birds in action. Guided walks depart every 30 minutes starting at 7 a.m., so drop in whenever works for you.

• Friday, May 8 from 6:30–9:30 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.