A lone boat explores one of the many coves at Horsetooth Reservoir. Photo by Jim Disney.

Boat Ramps at Horsetooth, Carter Lake to Open April 1

Attention, boaters and anglers! The boating season at Horsetooth Reservoir and Carter Lake will kick off Saturday, April 1.

View the schedule of early-season boat ramp hours »

Recipients of 2017 Small Grants for Community Partnering received their awards during a ceremony in February with Larimer County commissioners and staff.

Grants Support River Restoration, Bison, Bluebirds & More!

Larimer County proudly gave back $19,217 in Help Preserve Open Spaces sales tax funds to people making a difference in our communities. In 2017, grant-funded projects include river restoration work, weed mitigation, bison research, a citizen science bluebird project, community garden, bike patrols and others.

Learn more about Small Grants and view all projects funded in 2017 »

Be Prepared for Mud This Spring to Help Protect Our Trails

Warm weather has come early this year, and so has the slop. Don't go around mud on trails! Walk or ride through it. Plan ahead and wear waterproof footwear. Use trails in the early morning when the ground is still frozen, or consider using paved trails. With your help, we can keep our trails in great condition!

Learn when trails are closed for mud at www.NoCoTrailReport.org.

Hikers explore scenic Red Mountain Open Space. Photo by Indrajit Ray.

Red Mountain, Hermit Park Reopen after Seasonal Closures

Red Mountain Open Space, located near the Colorado-Wyoming border, and Hermit Park Open Space, located near Estes Park, reopened to the public on March 1. Both open spaces close during winter to protect wildlife habitat.

Get information and directions for Red Mountain and Hermit Park.

Introducing Offero! Our New Event and Volunteer System

On March 1, Larimer County Department of Natural Resources launched a new event registration and volunteer management system, called Offero. You can use Offero to view and sign up for guided hikes, volunteer projects and more!

Offero can be accessed at offero.larimer.org. You must create a free account in Offero to sign up for hikes, projects and other activities.

For questions or help with Offero, please call us at (970) 619-4561.

A volunteer helps remove old fencing during a project last spring at Devil's Backbone Open Space. Photo by Pam Mayhew.

Volunteers Needed for Tree Clearing, Fence Installation

Tree Clearing, March 18, 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., Carter Lake
Help remove dead trees from campgrounds, stack tree limbs and load limbs into wood chipper. Lunch provided. Volunteer for project.

Fence Installation, March 25, 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Devil's Backbone
Put up straight-wire fence and help paint exterior of outbuildings. Lunch provided. Volunteer for project.

Questions? Contact Pam Mayhew, 970-619-4552, pmayhew@larimer.org

Sign-up for volunteer projects is through our new Offero system. You will need to create a free account in Offero to sign up for projects.

Several programs in March feature one of our favorite raptors: Owls! Photo by Charlie Johnson.

Upcoming Guided Hikes and Programs

The Secret Lives of Owls - March 9 (Thurs.), 7 p.m., Old Town Library in Fort Collins (Community Room #2), presented by Friends of Larimer County Parks and Open Lands, no registration required

Big Birds of River Bluffs Open Space - March 11 (Sat.), 9 a.m., River Bluffs Open Space

Moon Over My Open Space - Owls - March 12 (Sun.), 6:30 p.m., Devil's Backbone Open Space

Big Birds of River Bluffs Open Space - March 18 (Sat.), 9 a.m., River Bluffs Open Space

Stargazing with the Northern Colorado Astronomical Society - March 18 (Sat.), 8 p.m., Devil's Backbone Open Space

Snakes of Colorado - April 8 (Sat.), 8 a.m., Devil's Backbone Open Space

Moon Over My Open Space - Snakes - April 10 (Mon.), 6 p.m., Horsetooth Mountain Open Space

Tiny Trekkers - April 11 (Tues.), 10 a.m., Devil's Backbone Open Space

Registration is required for all programs except The Secret Lives of Owls.

Information and registration: offero.larimer.org/calendar, or Heather Young at (970) 619-4489 or hyoung@larimer.org.

Registration for guided hikes and programs is through our new Offero system. You will need to create a free account in Offero to register.