The City of Fort Collins owns 39 natural areas, comprising of 5,545 acres of foothills, wetlands, prairies, riparian areas, and urban sites. Natural areas are critical to the existence of wild animals and native plants.
Some natural areas are home to rare plants.
Many of our natural areas provide essential habitat for wildlife such as ferruginous hawks, burrowing owls, prairie dogs and bald eagles. Other wildlife use our natural areas as crucial corridors for migration. Citizens of Fort Collins are fortunate to have natural areas in our city, with many wonderful wildlife viewing opportunities. In general, this is a positive experience, but close proximity to natural areas place extra responsibilities on humans to be good neighbors and visitors. The City of Fort Collins is committed to conserving natural areas in a manner that protects their integrity, while providing educational, interpretive and appropriate recreational opportunities to citizens.