Get Involved: Natural Areas

Adopters agree to care for a natural area for one year by picking up trash and reporting maintenance issues. This program provides opportunities for community members to take an active role in restoration efforts through stewardship.

• Visit natural area once a month to pick up litter.
• Report hours and maintenance issues in Engage.
• Implement safe practices of yourself and all others involved during site visits.
• Read more about the Natural Areas Stewardship Programs.

Volunteer Description Overview

Diamond Peaks Mountain Bike Patrol volunteers patrol City of Fort Collins Natural Areas and Larimer County Open Spaces on bike. Must be a member of the Overland Mountain Bike Association. More information here: OMBA - Diamond Peaks

City of Fort Collins and Larimer County Volunteer Naturalists are volunteers that: 

• provide original public activities for the community based on our area’s unique natural and cultural resources. 

• welcome visitors to Natural Areas and Open Spaces 

• share practical stewardship tips for these special places 

 Volunteer Naturalists care about natural areas and have fun sharing their enthusiasm with others. During the training, presentations by staff, field trips, and opportunities to practice techniques provide naturalist trainees with the skills they need to lead fun, fact-filled, and meaningful programming for all ages.   

Training 

• Mandatory training of approximately 22 hours. 

• Training includes presentations by staff and volunteers, field trips to natural areas, and learning presentation skills. 

• Delivery of a 10-minute interpretive presentation for feedback.   

• Natural Areas’ online orientation. 

• Trailhead Tabling introductory course. 

• Attendance on at least 3 continuing education field trips.  

 Skills and Qualifications 

• Have an interest in natural history and a feel a connection with nature. 

• Be enthusiastic about leading educational activities for different age groups.  

• Possess or be able to learn excellent communication skills. 

• Enjoy public speaking and working with the public. 

• Have a willingness to learn and a desire to share knowledge with others. 

• Must successfully complete the Volunteer Naturalist Training Program, including attendance at training sessions, delivery of a ten-minute, peer-reviewed presentation, and 3 Naturalist continuing education sessions. 

• The training includes both classroom and field trips. Field trips include hiking approximately 0.5-3 miles on paved and unpaved trails, sometimes on rocky ground. Some standing is required. If you have physical limitations, please contact us regarding accommodation. 

• Must be 18 or older. 

Dress Code  

While volunteering the following items must be worn. All are provided: 

• Volunteer name badge/tag  

• Volunteer shirt  

• Proper safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves when required) 

• Volunteer hat (optional) 

 Our Philosophy 

By becoming a volunteer with us, you are joining a long history of community commitment to conservation. Since its inception, the Natural Areas Department has engaged volunteers on every level, from education to stewardship to leadership. Volunteers help extend outreach and strengthen community involvement. We believe that volunteers are one of our most valuable resources.  

Volunteer Naturalist Assistants (VNA) serve as important aids to Naturalists. VNAs assist with group management, props, and activities.  

Naturalists provide educational programs on the natural areas to members of the community. Often groups are large, the outings take place in remote areas, or the activities are complex, and Naturalists need a helping hand. This is where the VNA comes in. VNAs also help staff booths at community events. Volunteering as a Naturalist Assistant is a good way to take an active role in the education programs without the time commitment or specialized training required of Naturalists. It’s also a great way to gain experience in interpretation, natural history, and group management. 

Qualifications:  

• Must be eighteen years or older. 
• Must pass a background check. 
• Have a background or interest in natural history and a feel a connection with nature. 
• Be enthusiastic about helping with education and outreach activities. 
• Possess or be able to learn basic communication skills. 
• Have a willingness to learn and a desire to help Naturalists present high-quality programming.

Requirements:  

• Must have internet access and use email. 
• Must successfully complete the Naturalist Assistant Training Program including attendance at all class sessions. 
• Assist with a minimum of two programs each calendar year. 
• Donate at least 25 hours within two years of training. 
• Attend at least two qualified continuing education programs, field trips or workshops per year (these are sponsored/provided by the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department).
• Must regularly work with Natural Areas Department Volunteer Coordinator and report volunteer hours. 

Volunteer Ranger Assistants (VRAs) serve as a visible presence in the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas and at Larimer County Parks and Open Spaces to enhance the experiences of trail users by providing information, site monitoring, and visitor assistance. VRAs work through the Ranger programs to respond to questions and inquiries, monitor trails, parks, open spaces and natural areas for visitor safety and resource protection, assess timing and types of recreational uses, administer user surveys, and alert rangers to situations that require staff attention. VRA’s may hike, bike, or ride their own horse.