Ecology

In an arid climate, water makes a big difference to plants and wildlife. Ribbons of green trees and shrubs line flowing waterways and ponds. Wildlife and humans flock to the shade, lush vegetation and life-sustaining water of this ecological zone. Seventy five percent of Colorado’s wildlife relies on a waterway (also known as riparian) ecosystem at some point in its life cycle making this a critical habitat to protect and treasure.

Grasslands aren’t always flat — they also encompass rolling hills, canyons, bluffs and expansive views of the sky and horizon. Some prairie wildlife lives underground and benefits from its moderated temperature and reliable shelter. The prairie is home to the endangered black-footed ferret and the conserved American bison, both of which were saved from the brink of extinction — making this a place of hope and restoration.  

The foothills are the rises and ridges at the base of the mountains — a special ecological zone with unique plants and wildlife. The geologic layer beneath the foothills was pushed up with the Rocky Mountains and an ancient sea floor split. When you visit natural areas in the foothills ecological zone, look for evidence of 267 native wildlife species and 396 native plant species.

Key Habitats:

Grasslands, shrublands in the foothills and ponderosa pine forests

What You Might See:

Bobcat Ridge is home to elk, deer, black bears and mountain lions. Look for golden eagles, grasshopper sparrows and black-chinned hummingbirds. You might also catch a glimpse of wild turkeys or bobcats. Two species of concern in Colorado — the Moss’s elfin butterfly and Townsend’s big-eared bat — also live here.

Shortgrass prairie and wetlands

What You Might See

Prairie dogs are common at Cathy Fromme Prairie and attract birds of prey such as bald eagles and hawks, especially during winter. You can enjoy a great view of raptors from the observation building on Shields Street, which is designed as a blind. Watch for horned lizards, ground-nesting songbirds, butterflies, rabbits, coyotes and foxes. Mountain lions may occasionally be seen, and rattlesnakes are fairly common. If you encounter a rattlesnake, stay calm — just give it space and allow it to move on or walk around it. 

Key Habitats

Human-made gravel ponds with gentle shorelines, plus wetlands

What You Might See

Cottonwood Hollow Natural Area is ideal for birdwatching, especially waterfowl like red-winged and yellow-headed blackbirds, egrets, herons, sandpipers, pelicans and killdeer. In upland areas, warblers, kingbirds and song sparrows often nest. You may also see painted turtles, foxes, muskrats and mule and white-tailed deer.

Key Habitats

Shortgrass prairie, foothill shrublands, ponderosa pine forests and Dixon Reservoir with its nearby riparian forest

What You Might See

Pineridge Natural Area is a bird-watching hotspot, with over 150 bird species recorded. Look for waterfowl, pelicans, ospreys and bald eagles around the reservoir. Cottonwoods and willows provide nesting areas for songbirds like vireos and warblers. Red-tailed hawks nest in the pine trees, and mule deer are commonly seen in winter. Prairie dogs and other small mammals live here too, with occasional sightings of elk and mountain lions.

Key Habitats

Healthy shortgrass prairie and foothill shrublands

What You Might See

You might see pronghorn, elk and deer at Soapstone Prairie. Swift foxes live in the area, but they’re rarely seen. Mountain lions, bobcats and bears have also been spotted. This prairie supports many grassland birds like burrowing owls, mountain plovers, longspurs, curlews, horned larks, lark buntings, sparrows and shrikes. Birds of prey include eagles, hawks, falcons, owls and harriers. Nesting raptors include golden eagles, ferruginous hawks, Swainson’s hawks, red-tailed hawks, prairie falcons and American kestrels.

Explore the City of Fort Collins Recommended Plant List, a searchable online database designed to help you find plants best suited to your specific yard conditions. Whether you're looking for drought-tolerant, pollinator-friendly or native species, this tool makes it easy to select sustainable plants that thrive in our local environment.

Native plants are adapted to local soils and rainfall, making them low-maintenance and sustainable. They provide vital food, shelter for wildlife, and help restore natural ecosystems, even in urban yards.

The Nix Native Plant Garden, located at the Natural Areas offices at 1745 Hoffman Mill Road, showcases a beautiful selection of Colorado’s native flora. Open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., it offers visitors a peaceful opportunity to learn about and appreciate plants adapted to our local environment.

Plant lists are available upon request for each City of Fort Collins Natural Area, showcasing the diverse native species that support our unique ecosystems. These lists provide a valuable resource for learning about local plant communities and can guide restoration, education and landscaping efforts that help preserve Fort Collins’ natural heritage.

For more information or to request assistance with documents, please email naturalareas@fortcollins.gov or call 970-416-2815.