Consisting of four major ecological habitats, the ELC supports a rich mixture of plant and animal life. Those four habitats are riparian, grasslands, short grass prairie, and wetlands. Habitat consists of the river and its immediate surroundings. The Riparian Habitat at the ELC is found along the banks of the Cache La Poudre River. It is home to the largest diversity of plant like at the ELC and supports habitat for raccoon, muskrat, and a great variety of bird species.
Grasslands occur where it is too wet for desert and too dry for trees to grow.
The ducks, osprey, and most strikingly, the Green Blue Heron. Wetlands areas also support beavers, frogs, and other non avian species. Interspersed throughout the center is an Old growth Cottonwood Forest ecosystem. As you explore the ELC's 2.5 miles of trails, remember to look out not only for the animals, but also for the signs of their activities. And remember, the ELC is a wildlife sanctuary and home to many wild creatures.