Explore the birds of winter at River Bluffs Open Space and learn what they're up to this time of year. How do they survive the cold? Why are they here? Let's find out! Walk 1-ish miles with Larimer County Education and Volunteer Specialist, Ellen Harris, along the Poudre River trail to learn about Colorado's winter birds. We will also include a short portion on bird identification. No birding experience required!
Natural Resources
Natural Resources
As winter approaches, Larimer County Department of Natural Resources (LCDNR), in partnership with the Central Federal Lands Highway Division (CFLHD), will continue to advance a multi-year, multi-phase construction project designed to improve roadways and enhance public access at Carter Lake and Horsetooth Reservoir. The effort is partially funded through the Colorado Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP).
Active construction areas include:
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Thirty years ago, Larimer County voters made a lasting investment in nature by approving the Help Preserve Open Spaces 0.25-cent sales tax—launching a legacy of conservation, stewardship, and public access that continues today.
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In partnership with local landowner Gary Fonay, Larimer County Natural Resources has conserved an 800-acre ranch via conservation easement in northern Larimer County. The conservation easement acquisition is made possible due to a generous donation from the Fonay family.
The Fonay Ranch boasts high quality, intact native foothills grassland, shrubland and ponderosa pine woodlands, rimrock outcroppings, and protects key wildlife habitat west and adjacent to Red Mountain Open Space.
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Explore the birds of winter at River Bluffs Open Space and learn what they're up to this time of year. How do they survive the cold? Why are they here? Let's find out! Walk 1-ish miles with Larimer County Education and Volunteer Specialist, Ellen Harris, along the Poudre River trail to learn about Colorado's winter birds. We will also include a short portion on bird identification. No birding experience required!
Larimer County Natural Resources has conserved the 675-acre Legend Trail Ranch in northern Larimer County. The protection of the ranch was made possible by the generous donation of a conservation easement on the property by landowner Cheryl Rennels.
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Meegan Flenniken
Land Conservation, Planning & Resource Division Manager
(970) 619-4562
Are you interested in learning about the natural world that exists in our County Open Spaces? So many interesting plants and animals, birds, butterflies and, of course, there is the geology. Explore and learn about the many life forms that call Larimer County their homes. Join naturalist Rob Pickett as he leads these roughly 5 mile hikes throughout the year. We'll hike about 5.4 miles on various trails including Sinking Sun trail and Bent Rock Loops (dirt surface, moderate difficulty).
Seeking feedback on special events in Larimer County
Larimer County is updating the rules for special events in unincorporated Larimer County and wants to hear from you! The Larimer County Special Events Team and the Board of County Commissioners are reviewing Article 7 of the Land Use Code to improve how events are planned and permitted starting in 2027. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts in our survey: https://engage.larimer.gov/specialevents2025. Feel free to pass it along to friends, neighbors, or anyone who might be interested. The survey is open through October 31, 2025.
Larimer County Department of Natural Resources (LCDNR) has updated the application timeline for its 2026 Short-Term Concessionaire (STC) program. Applications will be accepted from October through December for the following year, and will not be accepted after December 31. Staff will review all applications in early January, with final selections made by mid-January and notifications sent to all applicants by February 1.
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