Nature in the City Resources#
Looking for information on how to add nature into your space? Check out our resources below to inspire you and help you get started!
Native Plants#
Nature in the City encourages the use of plants native to Colorado in order to provide the best local wildlife habitat. A 2017 study found that at least 75% native plant cover is needed for successful bird breeding! Not sure how to garden with natives? Don’t worry, it’s easy! Here are some resources to help you out:
The City of Fort Collins Recommended Plant List - a searchable database of all plants recommended for the Fort Collins area
Low Water Native Plants - Front Range and Foothills (Colorado Native Plant Society)
Nature in the City's Maintenance Tips
Critical Native Plant Species List for Larimer County Pollinators
Wildlife#
Learn how to make your space better for wildlife and get certified!
Audubon Rockies Habitat Heroes: https://rockies.audubon.org/habitat-hero
National Wildlife Federation: https://www.nwf.org/garden-for-wildlife/certify
Volunteer Biodiversity Survey#
The Nature in the City Biodiversity Project is a community science program to monitor birds and butterflies around Fort Collins. The goal is to collect long-term ecological data that will help support the Nature in the City Strategic Plan to maintain "a connected open space network accessible to the entire community that provides a variety of experiences and functional habitat for people, plants, and wildlife." Trainings are in May of every year.
Design and Installation#
View the Fort Collins Design Guide to begin learning how to diversify your urban landscape. The full guide provides inspiration and information to build your dream landscape.
- Chapter 1: Site Characteristics and Planning
- Chapter 2: Pollinator Gardening
- Chapter 3: Dry Shade
- Chapter 4: Low Water Lawn
- Chapter 5: Parkway Strips
- Chapter 6: Turf Removal
- Chapter 7: Weed Management
CSU Extension’s “Basics of Landscape Design” Webinar - https://youtu.be/Me4NlKmkwDc
Find resources on irrigation, hardscape design and more on our partner’s website: Xeriscape Incentive Program
Convert your Lawn#
Convert your lawn to native plants to reduce water use and improve habitat.
Lawn removal methods (City of Fort Collins Utilities)
Native lawn fact sheet (CSU Extension)
Webinar from CSU Extension “Native Lawn of Your Dreams”: https://youtu.be/glmgAFmscwI
Other Programs in Fort Collins#
Xeriscape Incentive Program: Rebate program for conversion of high-water need landscapes to low-water need landscapes.
Garden in a Box: Look for the Naturally Native or Colorado Oasis Box for pre-selected native plants and a design that can be installed in your space right away.
Community Canopy Project: Look to sign up this fall to purchase a tree at reduced cost.
Free mulch: The Forestry Department offers free mulch at pick up locations around town.
Water-Wise Landscape Rebates: Many different rebates are offered for upgrading your irrigation system to more water efficient appliances.
All these programs and more are summarized in this handy flyer: City Resources for Waterwise Landscaping
Fun and Interesting Webinar Recordings#
Edible Native Plants: https://youtu.be/4te2Q4u1Jp4
Where do the Insects Go for Winter?: https://youtu.be/UtZt-VdFQ5o
Colorado Butterflies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcrIoR3fHTw&t=741s
Find more on CSU Extension’s CO-Horts Page: http://csuhort.blogspot.com/p/csu-extension-spring-gardening-webinars.html
Case Studies#
Learn how other communities are approaching nature in their cities.
Appendix B1 of the Nature in the City Strategic Plan discusses how other cities and projects around the world are working to solve similar issues in creative and innovative ways.
Couldn’t find what you were looking for? Let us know!