Hot Dog! How to Prairie Dogs Survive the Summer?
07/11/2026
| 08:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Coyote Ridge Natural Area
Natural Discoveries (Community Program)
Where: Coyote Ridge Natural Area. Meet in the Parking Lot., Activity Description: Hot Dog! It's hot, it's dry and the coyotes are hungry. Let's explore how our native black tailed prairie dogs thrive in the harsh summer prairie where there is no water to drink. We will hike through a prairie dog colony and learn of the various adaptions these amazing animals use. After hiking through the colony we will hike up a long moderate hill and down to the cabin, 1.1 miles. A restroom is available there. We will then sit down in the shade of the cabin, relax, snack and lean more about prairie dogs and their place as a keystone species. What to Bring: Bring water, insect repellant, sunscreen and binoculars. We will have extra binoculars for those who need them. Dress for the weather and bring plenty of water. Accessibility: We will be hiking 1.1 miles from the parking lot to the cabin. It is a mild to moderate hike with some hills. If you have any questions or concerns about the accessibility of a program, please contact [email protected] or call 970-416-2815 for more information. People with disabilities are welcome to participate in all programs and we are happy to make any appropriate accommodations. Requests for disability-related services can be made during registration through the activity contact or by calling 970-416-2815 at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the activity.
Maximum Participants: 30Sign Up for Updates
Registration is not required for this activity, but by clicking "sign up" you will receive a reminder and updates about this program.
General Info
Thank you Fort Collins and Larimer County voters! Your support of citizen-initiated sales taxes makes land conservation and educational activities like this possible.
Contact:
Lauren Hennessey
She/her/hers
Public Engagement Specialist
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department
Sign Up Info
Leader/Volunteer Info
Bill W - Volunteer Naturalist
I have been a volunteer naturalist since early 2023. My special interests include prairie dogs, photographing people in nature, diversity and access. My wife Barbara and I moved to Fort Collins in 2019 from Dallas. My volunteer work in Texas included service as a Texas Master Naturalist, 15 years as a Boy Scout leader and numerous medical projects as a physician. We come from Canada originally but moved often as a Service brat and later serving as a medical officer. We have 4 dogs.
Brent E - Volunteer Naturalist
Born and raised in New Jersey, (still a Rutgers fan!!). College in Pennsylvania, graduate school in Princeton, NJ, and South Bend, IN. Currently retired. Lived in NJ, Missouri, Wisconsin, New York, Houston, TX, PA, and Ohio. Retired to Fort Collins area in 2021. Hobbies and interests: fly fishing, jazz guitar, wildlife photography. Family: married to Karen, parents of Emily (Denver,CO).
Maia C - Staff/Trainers
Waitlist
Activity Contact
(970) 416-8009