Here are the top five Natural Areas that generally accumulate trash throughout the year:

Arapaho Bend

Mallards Nest

Riverbend Ponds

Ross

Shields St River Access (over to North Shields Ponds)

Fortunately, our local natural areas do not have a lot of trash. You can also make a big impact in areas such as your place of business, a local school or neighborhood. Please get permission before entering these areas.

Please note: The City of Fort Collins contracts with a private firm to perform trash cleanups along the Poudre River between Lemay Ave and College Ave. These areas are off limits for volunteer trash cleanups.

Wear sturdy garden gloves.
Wear thick-soled, closed-toe shoes.
Wear a hat and sunglasses.
Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts to avoid contact with poison ivy.
Wear safety vests at all times (for youth groups and cleanups near roads).
Wear sunscreen and bug repellant.
Bring a reusable water bottle and a light snack. Be sure to dispose of your trash properly.

Do your best to recycle - damaged or wet recyclable materials must go in the trash bin.

Tie your bag and leave next to the nearest trail head trash bin.

If you come across large items - report in Access Fort Collins.

To help the City keep track of the type of trash you are finding - we encourage you do download the Litterati app to document your findings.

If you are with a City staff member or Volunteer Crew Leader - tell them immediately.

If you are not - please report to Access Fort Collins.

Other Resources - 

Natural Areas Ranger: (970) 416-2147

Park Ranger: (970) 566-1112

Police Non-Emergency line: (970) 419-3273

Check trail conditions before you head out on your trash pick up to ensure parking lots are not full and/or a natural area is closed.

Do your best to stay on trail and respect the natural area during your clean up.

If you have 15 or more people in your group, a permit is required.