Featured Educational Resources#
Outdoor Education Apps#
Discover Natural Areas in a whole new way with the free educational game app: Adventure Lab! This platform is made by Geocaching and allows you to learn and explore by finding tagged locations.
Join the natural areas adventure to discover the wonders of the Poudre River near downtown Fort Collins. Each stop will reveal ways you can connect with urban natural areas.
To get started:
- Download the free Adventure Lab app to your mobile device from the Google Play or the Apple App Store. TIP: Download the app before heading out using Wi-Fi to save on mobile data.
- Search the app for the Natural Areas adventure: "The Future of the Poudre River is up to You!"
- Head out to McMurry, Salyer, and Shields Street River Access natural areas to start completing your adventure!
Remember to play it safe and always watch for hazards around you. Tip: no wet feet required! Use the bridges to cross the river when the adventure crosses between the north and south sides of the river.
Explore Do It Yourself Activities#
Youth Learning by Subject Matter#
Insect Explorers#
Explore the critter-filled world at your feet using these easy-to-follow activity guide. For 1st- 3rd grades.
Busy, Busy Beavers#
Learn all about the beavers in Fort Collins and how they have adapted to survive along rivers and waterways. Download the PDF worksheet and watch the video below.
The Benefits of Bats#
There are many fables in the world that have led us to believe bats are always up to no good. Join Volunteer Naturalist Rick as he teaches us all about the good that bats do for our ecosystems.
Bison: Shaping the Grassland Ecosystem#
The American Bison used to roam North America in large herds. While wallowing, grazing, and wandering through the Great Plains, Bison left their mark on shaping the grasslands we see today.
Raccoons: The Nonofficial Mascot of 2020#
Raccoons are one animal that you are most likely to spot throughout the city of Fort Collins and they have very similar behaviors to people! Learn about the life of a raccoon in Fort Collins in the video below.
Bird Observation Lesson Plan#
Observing birds and their behaviors can give clues to their preferences and what species they might be. Use this lesson plan to guide you.
Owls: Hunters of the Night#
Owls have adapted to be great silent hunters at night. Watch the video below to learn more about how owls have become successful predators of the nights sky.
Pioneer Chores#
100 years ago Fort Collins and natural areas looked a little different. Explore the days of the Pioneers through this video series! Begin with Pioneer chores and catch a glimpse of what chores looked like living in a 1-room cabin at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area.
Pioneer Games#
It wasn't always fun and games 100 years ago ,but when there were games involved they looked a little different than the games kids today play. Watch the video to see how kids 100 years ago played games!
Signs of Spring Discovery Hunt#
Signs of spring can be found anywhere outdoors! Download this Discovery Hunt to take with you on your hike at a natural area, or walk around your neighborhood.
Senses Nature Hike#
Using your senses to explore nature can lead to all kinds of discoveries. Download this senses nature hike activity and take it with you on your next adventure outdoors!
Nature Playdate Discovery Hunt#
Explore the little things in nature right outside your door or at a natural area. The nature playdate discovery hunt is designed to get outdoors and look high and low for signs of life all around.
Youth Learning by Age Range#
100 Things to Do Before You're 12#
There are a million fun things to do outside when you’re a kid. Maybe more. But where do you start? How about a list of 100 things every kid absolutely has to do before they’re 12. At least that’s what kids tell us. And don’t worry, if you run out, we’ll come up with more.
Insect Explorers!#
Become an insect explorer at your own home! Follow this guide to discover more about the world at your feet.
Map Your Habitat!#
Animals, insects, and plants live all around you. Can you find them? Can you put them on a map?
Activities for all Ages#
Mindful Monday#
Join in on the Mindful Mondays series. Being out in nature has positive benefits for your mental health, try out these mindfulness exercises the next time you go to a natural space and discover the sense of calm that nature can bring to you.
Neighborhood Selfie Challenge#
Explore the nature in your neighborhood or yard, make sure to share your posts with #NaturalAreasSelfieChallenge and tag City of Fort Collins Natural Areas.
Natural Areas Selfie Challenge#
Bring this challenge to the Natural Areas and share your posts with #NaturalAreasSelfieChallenge and tag City of Fort Collins Natural Areas.
Busy, Busy Beavers#
Learn all about the beavers in Fort Collins and how they have adapted to survive along rivers and waterways. Download the PDF worksheet and watch the video below.
The Benefits of Bats#
There are many fables in the world that have led us to believe bats are always up to no good. Join Volunteer Naturalist Rick as he teaches us all about the good that bats do for our ecosystems.
Bison: Shaping the Grassland Ecosystem#
The American Bison used to roam North America in large herds. While wallowing, grazing, and wandering through the Great Plains, Bison left their mark on shaping the grasslands we see today.
Owls: Hunters of the Night#
Owls have adapted to be great silent hunters at night. Watch the video below to learn more about how owls have become successful predators of the nights sky.
Raccoons: The Nonofficial Mascot of 2020#
Raccoons are one animal that you are most likely to spot throughout the city of Fort Collins and they have very similar behaviors to people! Learn about the life of a raccoon in Fort Collins in the video below.
Natural Areas Wildlife#
Fort Collins is a great place for wildlife because its located where the prairies merge with the mountains. A remarkably rich diversity of wildlife can be seen here. Please visit with respect- use binoculars to get a close-up view. If a creature changes it's behavior because of your presence, you are too close.
Pioneer Games#
It wasn't always fun and games 100 years ago ,but when there were games involved they looked a little different than the games kids today play. Watch the video to see how kids 100 years ago played games!
Pioneer Chores#
100 years ago Fort Collins and natural areas looked a little different. Explore the days of the Pioneers through this video series! Begin with Pioneer chores and catch a glimpse of what chores looked like living in a 1-room cabin at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area.
Signs of Spring Discovery Hunt#
Signs of spring can be found anywhere outdoors! Download the Discovery Hunt to take with you on your hike at a natural area, or walk around your neighborhood.
Arapaho Bend Natural Area COTREX Route#
This summer, NoCoTrailReport.org will be replaced with COTREX (Colorado Trails Explorer). This app is fully equipped with all the information you need to know about trails around the state. It also includes "Featured Routes" which highlight several natural areas and provide education about the history and ecology of the area. Where will you explore next?
Native Plant Gardening#
- Redesign your front yard with low maintenance garden tips. Research native plants that grow well in Colorado and make a plan for spring renewal.
- Take an online class about plants or gardens, or watch some webinars on creating wildlife friendly gardening.
- No yard? Plan a new group of containers for your deck, porch or patio!
- Help connect a young person to the natural world. Plan a children’s garden or have them work on a pollinator coloring book.
Natural Areas Native Plants#
Plants native to Fort Collins are adapted to our rainfall, temperatures, and soil types. In landscaped areas, native plants generally use less water, are hardier, and are more disease resistant than species native to other regions of Colorado, the United States, or other countries. Planting native species encourages the presence of native insects and microorganisms that benefit the plants and keep them healthy without the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Pick It Up FoCo#
While you are out on a run, hunting for teddy bears, or walking your dog, consider picking up litter too. Use the Litterati app to help collect data about single-use plastics to inform decision-makers while the community discusses how to keep plastics out of the environment.
Volunteer Opportunities#
Come volunteer with the Natural Areas Department! There are many opportunities to get involved.
Humans of Natural Areas#
People value Fort Collins Natural Areas for many reasons. Volunteers interviewed and photographed people who had different reasons to value natural areas, based on Humans of New York. Read their stories and find your reason here.
Eclipses#
Lunar and solar eclipses are eye-opening phenomenons for all to behold. Volunteer Dave Schwartz explains how these eclipses work and when you can expect to see more in Fort Collins.
Joy of Jupiter#
Photo by: By NASA, ESA, and A. Simon (NASA Goddard)
Join Volunteer Naturalist Dave Schwartz as he explains the wonders and mysteries of our solar systems largest planet.
Latinx Astronomers and Astronauts#
As a part of Latino Conservation Week the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas presents about 3 Latinx and Hispanic Astronomers and Astronauts that made an impact on the fields of Astronomy, Astronautics, and Astrophysics. Learn more about Latino Conservation Week here.
Lessons in Spanish Coming Soon!#
Bobcat Ridge Learning Series#
Introduction to the Bobcat Ridge Learning Series#
Welcome to the Bobcat Ridge Natural Area Learning Series!
Stone Circles#
Stone circles can be found at Bobcat Ridge, these were structures created by the Native American people who lived on the land long before this area was called Bobcat Ridge Natural Area.
Storytelling#
Special places have special stories. Explore just one of the stories of Bobcat Ridge below.
Draw a Landscape!#
Ever wonder how to paint or draw a beautiful landscape? Enjoy this easy tutorial on how to create a simple landscape drawing.
Botanical Illustrations#
There is beauty in the small things, such as wildflowers. Take your best shot at creating an accurate plant drawing inspired by the wildflowers at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. Check out the list of other plants you might find at Bobcat Ridge and try creating more than one botanical illustration.
Pioneer Chores#
100 years ago Fort Collins and natural areas looked a little different. Explore the days of the Pioneers through this video series! Begin with Pioneer chores and catch a glimpse of what chores looked like living in a 1-room cabin at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area.
Pioneer Games#
It wasn't always fun and games 100 years ago ,but when there were games involved they looked a little different than the games kids today play. Watch the video to see how kids 100 years ago played games!
