Explore with experts in geology, ecology, and history to learn how Soapstone Prairie came to be, the creatures that keep in functioning, and the homesteading and ranching history of this area. Visit several homestead ruins and hear stories about pioneer families! Please bring a lunch, sun protection, plenty of water, and closed-toe shoes! The program will include a 6-7 mile off-trail strenuous hike. Location: Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, approximately 1 hour drive time from Fort Collins. Meet at the South Parking Lot. Masks will be optional for all vaccinated participants and volunteers. We kindly request that unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals wear a mask while indoors or when within 6 feet of anyone not in their household group, including the volunteers. Waivers will be required to be signed either online or in person upon arrival. If you or anyone in your household is experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19 (cough, difficulty breathing, fever, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste/smell, etc.) do not attend this program. Visit https://www.larimer.org/health/communicable-disease/coronavirus-covid-19 for more information.
Minimum Participants: 2Registration is required for this activity. Click "register" to reserve your spot.
Thank 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
achlebnik@fcgov.com
970-224-6118
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CancelI am a Public Engagement Specialist with the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas and I organize community programs, programs by request and interpretive communications like signs and brochures. I'm excited to be back in Fort Collins again after being gone for 15 years. My favorite things to talk about are conservation issues, conservation research and raptors!! The black blur in the profile photo is my cattle dog. She never stops moving!
I have been a Fort Collins Master Naturalist since 2007 and a Colorado Native Plant Master since 2011. I love leading hikes and presenting programs for the Fort Collins Natural Areas Program. Although semi-retired, I still teach ecology and entomology at Colorado College in Colorado Springs and I volunteer part-time at the Gillette Museum of Arthropod Biodiversity at CSU. I grew up and went to school in the SE US but have taught biology in Colorado for over 30 years.
Retired from Univ of Illinois, Illinois State Geological Survey, PhD Geology and Chemistry, MN Class of 2014. Annually, I lead geology trips to three foothills Natural Areas to examine the geologic history and deposits that are integral to the landscape of Larimer County. Interests: Local Geology and geological history, photography, hiking, fly fishing, birding, anything Soapstone, like Hike Through the Ages. Moved to Ft C in 2012 and loving it and the folks at Natural Areas.
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.
(970) 224-6118