Last spring, community input helped shape the management direction for the Montane Zone natural areas, Bobcat Ridge and Crossline Canyons. Over 1,000 participants shared what matters most to them, from trail access and wildlife and habitat protection to scenic beauty and positive visitor experiences.

Now, the Draft Montane Zone Update is available for public comment. Please take a moment to review it and let us know if your priorities are reflected. Looking ahead, stewardship will focus on maintaining responsible visitor use as visitation increases and building ecological resiliency in a zone where there is an increase in wildfire and flood events. 

The feedback form is open until June 3, and every voice counts!

Natural Areas wants to hear from you. The Fossil Creek Zone Management Plan update is underway, and your input is needed. 

Since 1993, the City of Fort Collins has worked to conserve and care for 11 natural areas in the Fossil Creek Zone, just south of Harmony Road. These important spaces provide viewsheds, community separation, and habitat for more than 280 wildlife species. The Fossil Creek Zone also holds important geological, archaeological, and historic features. Community members enjoy these spaces through a variety of trails, including the Fossil Creek, Long View, and Front Range trails. Together, they support recreation, health, and everyday travel.

Now it's your turn to help guide the next chapter for these natural areas. Visit the link below to share your feedback by June 30. Thank you for being part of the process!

Celebrate local creativity at the Explorer Artist Gallery opening reception! Join Natural Areas at Old Town Library on Thursday, May 14 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. to view original artwork from local artists whose work is featured in the 2026 Natural Areas Explorer.

While you're there, pick up your copy of the Explorer and discover the full calendar of exciting activities that Natural Areas staff, volunteers, and partners are offering to the community. Can't attend? No worries, the gallery will be open through the end of June, so there's plenty of time to enjoy it.

Curious about xeriscaping or incorporating native plants into your yard? Join Nature in the City and Fort Collins Utilities for a guided tour, by bike or on foot, to explore beautiful, low-water landscapes and learn how to make your outdoor space more sustainable.

We'll cover waterwise gardening, native plants, pollinators, and the Xeriscape Incentive Program, with practical tips for both renters and homeowners. Each tour features multiple stops where you'll see real-life examples of successful xeriscape projects and get expert insights on transforming your own space.

Biking Tours: Wed, June 3 & Wed, September 23
Location: 900 E. Prospect Rd.

Walking Tours: Wed, July 1 & Mon, August 3 
Location: Spring Creek Trail and Michener Dr.

Tours are offered on multiple dates so you can choose the one that fits your schedule best. Pick your date, sign up, and come ready to be inspired! Space is limited, so don't wait.

Save the Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026, for Connecting Communities - A Poudre River Trail Celebration. Join us as we celebrate the final connection of the Poudre River Trail linking Bellvue to Greeley with 45 miles of continuous, paved, multi-use trail. The celebration will bring partners, community members, and supporters together at Timnath Community Park for a special ribbon-cutting and central community celebration featuring vendors, supporting organizations, and family-friendly activities. Signage at the start and end of the trail and celebratory markers along the corridor will help honor the full regional connection.

RSVP on Eventbrite to stay up to date on event details and updates!

During flooding events, natural areas along the Poudre River help absorb and redirect floodwater, reducing damage to homes and businesses and lowering peak flows downstream. Protect your natural areas, they protect you. Help keep streams healthy by only putting rain down the storm drain.

Flooding along the Poudre River isn't a matter of if, but when. While flooding is necessary for healthy river ecosystems, it's important to be prepared before it happens. Follow these protection tips and resources:

• Stay Informed: Sign up for NOCO Alert to get emergency messages for home, work and school.
• Make an emergency plan and kit: Visit ready.gov for more information.
• Get a Free Home Visit: Fort Collins Utilities can visit your home to provide personalized flood protection advice. Call 970-416-2632 to schedule.
• Listen for emergency updates and evacuation orders: Don’t enter, drive, walk or bike through floodwater.

Know the flood risk where you live, work and play. The Poudre River floodplain maps are changing. View the maps for both the FEMA floodplain and City floodplains to determine if a property is in a floodplain.

• Summer Adventure, Unearth a Story online pre-registration starts Monday, May 4, on Beanstack.
• Skills and Techniques for Nature Photography on Wednesday, May 6, 6–7:45 p.m. at Nix Office, 1745 Hoffman Mill Road.
• World Migratory Bird Day Birding Walks on Friday, May 8, 6:30–9:30 a.m. at Riverbend Ponds Natural Area.
• Coyote Ridge Hike: Explore the Geology, Plants, and Wildlife of This Unique Natural Area on Saturday, May 9, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. at Coyote Ridge Natural Area.
• Let's Explore: Arapaho Bend Natural Area on Tuesday, May 12, 5:30–7:30 p.m. at Arapaho Bend Natural Area.
• Old Town Library Explorer Artwork Reception on Thursday, May 14, 5:30–7 p.m. at Old Town Library.
• Skygazing on Friday, May 15, 8–10 p.m. at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area.
• Practice your Nature Photography Skills on Saturday, May 16, 7:30–9:30 a.m. at Pineridge Natural Area.
• Introduction to Nature Journaling on Tuesday, May 19, 9–11 a.m. at Primrose Studio.
• Wildflower Hike at Pineridge Natural Area on Friday, May 22, 9–11:30 a.m. at Pineridge Natural Area.
• Bird Watching for All Level Birders on Saturday, May 23, 7–9:30 a.m. at Pineridge Natural Area.
• Bike With A Planner on Saturday, May 23, 9–10:30 a.m. at Fossil Creek Park.
• Summer Adventure, Unearth a Story in-person registration starts Wednesday, May 27, at your Poudre Library location.
• Reservoir Ridge Hike and Primrose Tour on Wednesday, May 27, 6–8 p.m. at Primrose Studio.
• Our Neighbors the Prairie Rattlesnakes on Friday, May 29, 9:30–11:30 a.m. at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area.
• Explore with Reptile and Amphibian Center of the Rockies on Saturday, May 30, 9–11 a.m. at Riverbend Ponds 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@fortcollins.gov

To learn more about Natural Areas, visit our website.