Celebrate All Things Nature and Harvest on Sept. 12

Nature's Harvest Fest, presented by Poudre Pet and Feed Supply, joins together the NoCo Nature Fest and Harvest Festival in a one-day celebration. Bring the whole family for live animals, a butterfly release, interactive programs, vendors, music, kids' storytelling, edible bugs, beehive tours and more.

Learn more about Nature's Harvest Fest and see the schedule »

An Osprey perches on the nest platform at Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area in late August of this year. Photo by Harry Strharsky.

Ospreys Fledge from Platform at Fossil Creek Reservoir

Two Osprey chicks fledged from the nest platform at Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area this summer. It's the first time Ospreys have successfully fledged from this nest since the platform was erected about 10 years ago.

Staff from Larimer County and City of Fort Collins, which co-manage the area, monitored the nest and its feathered inhabitants all summer. Thank you to regular visitors to the reservoir for helping to keep an eye on the birds as well!

Local folklore contends a hermit named "Dutch Louie" lived in this cabin at Hermit Park Open Space. Historical records say otherwise. Photo by Charlie Johnson.

Research Debunks Myths of Hermit Park Open Space

Was "Dutch Louie" really a hermit who lived in this cabin, hung for rustling cattle? Alas, no, according to records discovered during a recent project to research and catalog historic buildings on Larimer County Open Spaces.

Get the real history of Hermit Park in this Reporter-Herald story »

Visitors to Horsetooth Reservoir load and unload their boats on a busy weekend. Boat ramp hours change after Labor Day weekend. Photo by Harry Strharsky.

Boat Ramp Hours to Change After Labor Day

Starting Sept. 8, hours of operation for boat ramps at Horsetooth Reservoir and Carter Lake will be reduced.

View the updated boat ramp hours »

Ride along with a boat ranger! Well, not literally, but you can experience a day in the life of a Horsetooth boat ranger in a piece by the Coloradoan.

Check out the boat ranger video and story »

Larimer County Natural Resources' Small Grants program provides funds to support neighborhood and community projects, such as planting trees.

Deadline for Small Grants Extended to Sept. 18

Receive up to $2,000 of Help Preserve Open Spaces funds to support a project in your community that helps connect people to the land. The deadline to apply for this year's grant cycle has been extended to Sept. 18, 2015.

Get more information and apply for a small grant »

Read about a prior grant recipient who started a bluebird project »

Service projects allow citizens to be a part of conservation in Larimer County. Photo of a trail-building project at Pinewood Reservoir by Pam Mayhew.

Volunteers Needed for Trail Project

Sat., Sept. 19, 8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Horsetooth Reservoir
Assist Larimer County's trails crew with rerouting a section of Foothills Trail on the east side of Horsetooth Reservoir. Lunch provided.

Sign up or get info: Pam Mayhew, 970-619-4552, pmayhew@larimer.org

Join staff from Larimer County and Bird Conservancy of the Rockies (formerly Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory) on a birding tour along the Poudre River. Photo by Dale Erickson.

Sign Up for Special Birding Experience & Field Tours

Birding Tour at Three Bells, Sept. 19, 7-11 a.m. (nearly full!)
Join Bird Conservancy of the Rockies biologist Jeff Birek for a tour of the Three Bells conservation easement near Windsor. This beautiful conserved area boasts a lovely section of the Poudre River and is home to many bird species.

Get info and sign up for the Three Bells birding tour »

Chimney Hollow Open Space Tour, Sept. 24 & Oct. 7, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
See this open space not typically accessible to the public and learn about its history and recreational amenities planned for the property. The field trip will be hosted by Larimer County Natural Resources and Northern Water.

Get info and sign up for the Chimney Hollow tour »

Bring along Fido and Fifi on a dog-friendly hike this month. Gain tips on keeping you and your dog safe against heat and rattlesnakes. Photo by Harry Strharsky.

Upcoming Guided Hikes and Programs

History Hike at Devil's Backbone - Sept. 9 (Wed.), 5 p.m., Devil's Backbone Open Space

Hiking the Backbone with Your Four-legged Friend - Sept. 15 (Tues.), 5:30 p.m., Devil's Backbone Open Space

Geology Underfoot at the Devil's Backbone - Sept. 18 (Fri.), 10 a.m., Devil's Backbone Open Space

Hiking the Falls with Your Four-legged Friend - Sept. 22 (Tues.), 5:30 p.m., Horsetooth Mountain Open Space

Eclipse Over My Open Space - Sept. 27 (Sun.), 7 p.m., Devil's Backbone Open Space

Plein Air Painting with Alison Dickson - Oct. 10 (Sat.), 8:30 a.m., Soderberg Trailhead at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space

Save the Date: Bison Welcome Home - Nov. 1 (Sun.), ceremony to welcome bison back to the northern Colorado prairie, more details to come!

Registration is required for all programs.

Information and registration: www.larimer.org/NRregistration/, or Zach Schierl at (970) 619-4565 or zschierl@larimer.org.