City of Fort Collins Engage
Welcome to Engage! Engage helps you manage your involvement, either as a participant or volunteer, sponsored by the FC Volunteer Program. Browse the calendar, edit your profile, and get involved!
Natural Areas
Special habitats like prairies, foothills, waterways, and forests are conserved for wildlife and people by the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department. Everyone is welcome to treasure and steward these beloved outdoor places. Thanks to community-driven sales tax ballot measures, there are 52 conserved natural areas and 114 miles of trail with more being added each year. See the Natural Areas Map (pdf).
Natural Areas Explorer is your guide to free natural area activities, June-October. Register here, by creating or signing in to you account.
Featured Activities
Conservation That Pays
Monday, 20 July 2026
Learn how to save money on your utility bill through behavioral changes and utility programs.
More
Waterwise Garden Tour Wheels & Walks
Mon 08/03, Wed 09/23
Explore waterwise landscapes by bike or on foot! Learn about native plants, pollinators, and the Xeriscape Incentive Program while discovering easy ways to create a low-water yard. Routes are accessible with multiple stops. Sign up today!
MoreUpcoming Activities Calendar
Sign Up
|
Wade the River
Wednesday, 22 July 2026 | 09:30 AM | Lee Martinez ParkWhere: Poudre Trail. Park at the tennis courts at Lee Martinez Park and follow the paved trail west until you come to a small beach on the north side of the trail. When: 9:30am - 12pm. Registration highly suggested, but not required. Only regi... more |
Sign Up
|
Drop-in Community Nature Journaling
Thursday, 23 July 2026 | 09:00 AM | Riverbend Ponds - Cairnes Dr. EntranceWhere: Riverbend Ponds Natural Area. Park and meet at the parking lot off of Cairnes Drive. Activity Description: A new twist on nature journaling programs! This drop-in style Nature Journaling program will provide opportunity to go nature jou... more |
|
Sign Up
|
Pelican Marsh Natural Area History, Flora and Fauna
Friday, 24 July 2026 | 10:00 AM | Pelican Marsh Natural AreaWhere: Pelican Marsh Natural Area. Park along San Juan Drive. Meet at the trailhead sign, by the bridge, just SW of Water's Way Park. Activity Description: This program presents a brief history of the natural area and focuses on observing, ide... more |
Waitlist
|
Campfire at Coyote Ridge - Learn about the Wolverine!
Friday, 24 July 2026 | 06:30 PM | Coyote Ridge Natural Area | Registration Required*Registration for this program is required* Where: Coyote Ridge Natural Area, meet at the cabin, approximately 1 mile down the trail. It will take approximately 30 minutes to hike to the cabin, so PLEASE plan accordingly so that you are at the ... more |
|
Register
|
Raptors and Nature: Rocky Mountain Raptor Program
Saturday, 25 July 2026 | 08:00 AM | Primrose Studio | Registration RequiredWhere: Reservoir Ridge and Primrose Studio. Program will meet at the Michaud parking lot at 8:00 a.m. Program Description: Join Natural Areas and Rocky Mountain Raptor Program for a hike and live-bird presentation! Hike with a naturalist and l... more |
Sign Up
|
Partnership: BOOTS hike educational activity
Monday, 27 July 2026 | 08:00 AMBOOTS educational hike, BOOTS is a rec program for adult hikes. Location TBD. Program having to do with animal adaptations. more |
|
Sign Up
|
Beaver Believers: A Nature Walk & Talk to Learn About the Amazing Lives of Beavers
Thursday, 30 July 2026 | 10:00 AM | McMurry Natural AreaWhen/Where: July 30, 10-11am - McMurry Natural Area, Fort Collins, CO. Parking at 445 Hemlock St., Fort Collins, CO 80524, meet by Kiosk near parking lot. Activity Description: Join local environmental nonprofits and natural resource managers ... more |
|
Sign Up
|
Wade the River
Friday, 07 August 2026 | 09:30 AM | Lee Martinez ParkWhere: Poudre Trail. Park at the tennis courts at Lee Martinez Park and follow the paved trail west until you come to a small beach on the north side of the trail. Program Description: All ages welcome! Use dip nets and collecting trays to dis... more |
|
Volunteer
|
Wade the River
Friday, 07 August 2026 | 09:30 AM | Lee Martinez ParkWhere: Poudre Trail. Park at the tennis courts at Lee Martinez Park and follow the paved trail west until you come to a small beach on the north side of the trail. Program Description: All ages welcome! Use dip nets and collecting trays to dis...
Co-Volunteers: Betsy H, Lauren H, Maia C
more
|
|
Register
|
Campfire at Coyote Ridge
Friday, 14 August 2026 | 06:30 PM | Coyote Ridge Natural Area | Registration Required*Registration for this program is required* Where: Coyote Ridge Natural Area, meet at the cabin, approximately 1 mile down the trail. It will take approximately 30 minutes to hike to the cabin, so PLEASE plan accordingly so that you are at the ... more |
Search
Sign Up
Login
Get Involved
Accepting Applications for the following Volunteer Types:
- Adopt-A-Natural Area
- BARK Ranger
- Community Science
- Diamond Peak Mountain Bike Patrol
- General Volunteer Application - Stewardship Volunteer
- Nix and Sugar Beet Garden Volunteer
- Photographer
- Volunteer Crew Leader/Trail Steward
- Volunteer Naturalist
- Volunteer Naturalist Assistant
- Volunteer Ranger Assistant
Get Involved!
Requests
Request a Program for your group: