Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the opening of Soapstone Prairie Natural Area and Larimer County's Red Mountain Open Space! Fort Collins' largest natural area opened in June 2009. Celebrate this very special place and anniversary by learning about ongoing conservation efforts including updates on bison and black-footed ferrets. Explore the world-renowned ancient Lindenmeier site, geology, wildlife, plants, and more. - Opening Ceremony 10-10:45 a.m., Soapstone Prairie's South Parking Lot. Featuring the Iron Family Dancers and Singers, as well as remarks from city and county officials. - 10:45 a.m. - 2 p.m. Visit interactive stations highlighting special aspects of these treasured places. Stop by anytime at Soapstone Prairie's South and North parking lots, the Lindenmier Overlook (access from North Parking Lot), and Red Mountain Open Space's Parking Lot. Stations at Soapstone Prairie’s South Parking Lot will highlight prairie dogs, Rocky Mountain Bird Conservancy research and the ruins of the Guy Homestead. You can meet representatives from the Laramie Foothills Bison Conservation Herd and Folsom Grazing Association to learn how the bison and cattle they manage are achieving conservation goals. At Soapstone Prairie’s North Parking Lot, stations will highlight the endangered black-footed ferrets, the Lindenmeier archeological site, geology, and wildflowers on the trail. At Red Mountain Open Space’s parking area/trailhead, a station will highlight the special aspects of the site. Watermelon will be served but no other food or water is available. Van transportation to Soapstone Prairie is available for no charge, registration required. Please carpool, parking is limited. Soapstone Prairie is 25 miles north of Fort Collins, allow approximately 1 hour driving time and carefully observe the speed limits. The celebration activities are free, no registration required but you can sign up here for updates and a reminder.
Registration is not required for this activity, but by clicking "sign up" you will receive a reminder and updates about this program.
LinksThank you Fort Collins and Larimer County voters! Your support of citizen-initiated sales taxes makes land conservation and educational activities like this possible.
AJ Chlebnik
Pronouns: she/her/hers
City of Fort Collins
Natural Areas Department
Public Engagement Specialist
970-224-6118
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David was a High School Biology teacher in Appleton, WI for 34 years. He then worked as a part time seasonal University of Wisconsin Extension Horticulture agent for a decade and moved to Fort Collins in 2011. He is in his twelfth year of being a Naturalist Volunteer.
Hi, I took the Master Naturalist training in 2016, and also took 2 of the Native Plant Master Classes offered by CSY Extensions. I have always loved wildflowers, and want to share knowledge of some of our local ones with you!
A former biology teacher turned science writer, illustrator, and graphic designer, I've been a Master Naturalist since 1995. My illustrations have been incorporated in many of the local natural area entrance signs. I enjoy sharing my passion for natural history and scientific illustration with others.
I moved to Fort Collins in 1999, and retired in 2016 after 31 years as a wildlife ecologist with the USDA National Wildlife Research Center. I enjoy traveling, golfing, skiing, hiking and watching wildlife, especially birds.
I worked as an early childhood educator for many years. I have always been intrigued by the natural world. I enjoy gardening.
Hello! I'm a geologist who moved to Fort Collins in May 2018. I love exploring, researching and teaching the geology of the Natural Areas and Open Spaces along the Front Range. Hope to see you soon on one of my geohikes!
This photo is of me really getting into my work on the natural areas! I was the Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Natural Areas Department from 1994--2019. I trained Master Naturalists, delivered Certified Interpretive Guide training, managed, wrote, and edited interpretive signs and brochures, and I even got out to lead some field trips! In retirement I volunteer with the Natural Areas Department doing a few programs and helping with the bird surveys. Yes, I am still having fun!
(970) 224-6118