Have you ever wondered what happens at Flores Del Sol Natural Area or wanted to try your hand at farming? Join Natural Areas on Friday, Aug. 21, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for a unique, hands-on experience touring the 152-acre natural area and discover how local partnerships are helping beginning farmers build successful farming careers.

Explore the farm with staff from The Foodshed Project and learn how its Farm Business Accelerator Program supports beginning farmers through mentorship, education, and access to land. Along the way, tour working farm plots, visit the pollinator zone, learn about native seeds and pollinator habitat, and get an inside look at the people and practices that help support a thriving local food economy.

Space is limited, so register on Engage today!

Nature in the City grants are on pause for 2026 as the Nature in the City Strategic Plan is updated. Stay tuned for opportunities to share your input later this year. While grants are unavailable, there are still plenty of free resources to help you design, install, and maintain a landscape that supports wildlife and looks beautiful.

Whether you're a homeowner, renter, business owner, school, developer, or part of a homeowners association, the FREE Nature in the City Landscape Design Guide can help you create a landscape that fits your space and your goals. Start by getting to know your unique yard, including its soil, sun, and water conditions, then explore ideas for pollinator gardens, dry shade, low-water lawns, turf removal, and more. Packed with design inspiration, plant lists, and practical tips, this guide is the perfect place to start planning your next outdoor project.

On Saturday, August 22, 800 Colorado State University students will be hiking through Maxwell Natural Area. This "Hike to the A" is an annual tradition for new, first -year students. The event is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. and will wrap up around 1 p.m. Students are welcomed by Natural Areas staff and volunteers who brief them on Leave No Trace principles. 

Visitors may want to choose to visit another natural area while this event is taking place. 

• Toddler Tracks on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 9:30–10:30 a.m. at McMurry Natural Area.
• Wade the River on Friday, Aug. 7, 9:30 a.m.–12 p.m. at Lee Martinez Park.
• Poudre River Fest on Saturday, Aug. 8, 12–5 p.m. at New Belgium Brewing Company.
• North America's Eagle: the Bald Eagle on Saturday, Aug. 15, 6–7:30 p.m. at Running Deer Natural Area.
• Drop-in Community Nature Journaling on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 5–7 p.m. at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area.
• Flores Del Sol "Behind the Scenes" Farming on Friday, Aug. 21, 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m. at Flores Del Sol.
• Hero Fest on Saturday, Aug. 22, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at Front Range Village.
• Raptors and Nature @ Bobcat Ridge on Saturday, Aug. 29, 9–11 a.m. at Bobcat Ridge 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.