Homestead Natural Area#
Trail Status
Description#
Homestead Natural Area is along the Cache la Poudre River between Lincoln Avenue and Mulberry Street, adjacent to Woodward Technology Center. The 31 acre property was conveyed to the City by Woodward Company as part of the development agreement.
Restoration efforts lowered the unnaturally steep riverbanks, created a variety of habitats such as wetlands, and open water and allowed the natural regeneration of cottonwood trees, an important foundational part of the ecosystem. Cottonwoods are considered a key tree because they support such a diversity of wildlife, and they are part of what makes our beloved river corridor a shady retreat and recreational treasure. The vegetation will take several years to become fully established and a mature cottonwood forest will not be apparent for 30 years making Homestead a great place to watch ecological recovery unfold.
Homestead Natural Area helps to provide habitat for riparian (riverside) plants and wildlife, and serves as an important movement corridor. Waterfowl, owls, foxes, raccoons, squirrels, mink, beaver and a variety of songbirds use this area.
Photos#
Trails#
Approximately 0.25 miles of the paved Poudre Trail.
Hours#
5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily
Directions#
Nearest parking is at Mulberry/Lemay (Qdoba/Dairy Queen area), trail access from Poudre River Trail. Homestead Natural Area has no entrance fee.
Events and Activities#
- Find free educational activities and events year-round on the Events Calendar. Activities and events in June-October are also listed in the Natural Areas Explorer.
- Learn about special events and activities each month by subscribing to the Natural Areas e-newsletter.
- Check out the Natural Areas Learning Library for self-guided activities.
Related Information#
- Know before you go safety and recreation information.
- Poudre River Natural Areas Management Plan