A pronghorn resides on the range at Red Mountain Open Space. For the first time, six doe pronghorn permits will be part of the draw. Photo by Mark Yoder.

Apply by Feb. 29 for Permits to Hunt at Red Mountain

Larimer County is offering 19 special access hunting permits at Red Mountain Open Space for bull elk, cow elk, buck deer and doe pronghorn. The doe pronghorn permits are new this year, offered in partnership with City of Fort Collins Natural Areas for use on portions of Red Mountain Open Space and Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. Cost is $10 per application.

Get more info and apply for a special access hunting permit »

A site plan shows upcoming improvements to the Devil's Backbone Trailhead, including more parking spaces. The parking lot will be closed during construction.

Devil's Backbone Trailhead Closed for Improvements

On Feb. 8, Devil's Backbone Trailhead closed so construction crews could begin making improvements. The popular trailhead west of Loveland will be closed for at least 4 weeks. Visitors may still access Devil's Backbone Open Space from the Blue Sky and Coyote Ridge Natural Area trailheads.

Learn about planned improvements, or stay up-to-date on construction and the trailhead's reopening on the Devil's Backbone conditions webpage.

A construction crew excavates the foundation of the new Horsetooth Information Center in the South Bay area of Horsetooth Reservoir County Park. Photo by Mark Caughlan.

New Information Center Coming to Horsetooth Reservoir

If you've been to Horsetooth Reservoir lately, you might have noticed all of the construction at South Bay. In January, crews broke ground on a new Information Center that will serve as a one-stop shop for visitors to the reservoir, as well as Horsetooth Mountain Open Space and other area parks.

The center, along with new shop and maintenance facilities, is expected to open this summer. Access for visitors is not impacted at this time.

Horsetooth Reservoir offers camper cabins, tent and RV sites, and even a vintage Airstream trailer. These amenities book quickly at this popular camping area.

Planning to Camp This Summer? Note the 180-day Window

We're expecting another busy summer at our campgrounds. Campsites and cabins are filling fast for summer weekends (Horsetooth Reservoir is full for July 4). If you're planning to camp, you can book a site up to 180 days in advance. If you know your dates, remember the 180-day window! Or plan a mid-week stay when campgrounds are quieter and lots of great sites are still available.

Make your reservations at www.larimercamping.com, or call (800) 397-7795.

View from Horsetooth Mountain Open Space by Alison Dickson, 2015 Visual Artist of the Year. Alison unveiled her painting at a reception Feb. 10 at the County courthouse.

Calling All Artists! Apply to Become Our Artist of the Year

Artists of all ages, grab your paintbrushes, pencils and cameras and inspire people's appreciation of nature through your artwork. Larimer County is seeking applicants for its Visual Artist of the Year program. Applications due Feb. 19.

Learn more and apply for the Visual Artist Program »

Read about the painting created by our 2015 Artist of the Year »

Volunteer Naturalists prepare visitors to embark on a full moon hike at Devil's Backbone Open Space last April. Photo by Zach Schierl.

Inspire Curiosity for Nature as a Volunteer Naturalist

Do you enjoy spending time outdoors? Do you want to share your passion for nature with people of all ages? Become a Volunteer Naturalist! You can teach school groups about nature, lead hikes and present programs on local history, ecology, geology and more. Training starts March 2. Apply by Feb. 24.

Learn more and apply to become a Volunteer Naturalist »

A youngster participates in a kids' casting contest at last year's Larimer County Department of Natural Resources Fishing Expo. Photo by Sandy Werkmeister.

Learn How to Fish Horsetooth at 12th Annual Fishing Expo

Get tips from top anglers at the 12th Annual Larimer County Fishing Expo on March 5-6 at the 1st National Bank Building at The Ranch in Loveland. The expo is FREE and features casting contests, demonstrations, seminars, and the best gear and advice from more than 30 exhibitors. Bring the kids!

Get your kids into nature with a Tiny Trekkers program at the Loveland Public Library.

Upcoming Guided Hikes and Programs

Tiny Trekkers - March 1 (Tues.), 9:15 a.m., Loveland Public Library

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