Fort Collins   -   Fridays 

Coordinator for Fort Collins, Marilynn Brandenburger

Marilynn’s cell and email: 404-402-6284 cell / marilynn@marilynnbrandenburger.com

                             PLEASE NOTE:  YOU are responsible for keeping yourself safe. 

Feb 3  - Fossil Creek Reservoir, Fort Collins 10am - 1:00pm

Description: Rolling prairie uplands, wetlands, a tree-lined reservoir and lots of birds, especially bald eagles that nest in the cottonwood trees along the shore this time of year. Bathroom in a heated brick building, still open in the winter. Easy trails along the water’s edge. Gazebo/viewing blind on the eastern edge of the shore from which to watch/sketch water birds.

Directions: The entrance is on Carpenter Road/ CR 32, approximately one mile west of I-25, or two miles east of Timberline on the north side of Carpenter Road. The approximate address is 3340 Carpenter Road, Fort Collins.

Google Map: https://www.google.com/maps/place/ Fossil+Creek+Reservoir+Natural+Area/@40.4798791,-105.0257225,14z/ data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x876eb2da2a8d98f3:0x4d691d03247bdef7!8m2! 3d40.479875!4d-105.0082077 Trail Map: https://www.fcgov.com/naturalareas/files/fossil-creek-resbrochure-2021.pdf?1610657287

Feb 10 - Bobcat Ridge Natural Area 10am - 1:00pm

Description: Grassy valley, foothills, ponderosa pines, stunning red rock cliffs and more. Bathroom in a brick building, hopefully still open in winter. Paved trail. Home to elk, wild turkey, mountain lions and other wildlife. Several historic homestead sites dot the landscape.

Directions: Bobcat Ridge's address is 10184 West County Road 32C, Loveland. From Fort Collins, take Harmony Road west, it turns into CR 38 E. Follow CR 38 E to Masonville. Go left (south) at the Masonville Mercantile onto CR 27. Follow CR 27 about 1 mile to CR 32 C, head west about 1 mile to the Bobcat Ridge parking lot. 
 From Loveland, go west on Highway 34 about 4.5 miles west of Wilson Avenue. Turn north on CR 27 by Big Thompson Elementary and drive 4.5 miles. Turn left on CR 32C and go 1 mile west to the Bobcat Ridge parking lot.

Google Map: https://www.google.com/maps/place/ Bobcat+Ridge+Natural+Area/@40.4751125,-105.2325744,14z/data=!4m5! 3m4!1s0x8769458936de1013:0x50c1ed47be8177fb!8m2!3d40.4795929! 4d-105.225826 Natural Areas Trail Map: https://www.fcgov.com/naturalareas/files/bobcatridge-brochure-july-2017-v4.pdf?1596740031

Feb 17 - Benson Sculpture Garden 10:00am - 1:00pm

Description: City Park showcasing 154 eclectic, charming sculptures over 10 acres of grass and trees. Bathrooms, benches, ponds, walking path.

Directions: 1125 W. 29th Street, Loveland, between Aspen and Beech drives. Parking is along Aspen Drive on the west side of the park.

Google Map: https://www.google.com/maps/place/ Benson+Sculpture+Garden/@40.4177253,-105.0830429,15z/data=!4m5! 3m4!1s0x8769530899bb2f17:0x411ac4d6e22f2b09!8m2!3d40.4225118! 4d-105.0936108 Site Map: https://www.lovgov.org/home/showpublisheddocument/ 53846/637365545883400000

Feb 24 - Reservoir Ridge Natural Area at Michaud Lane, Fort Collins 10:00am– 1:00pm

Description: Grasslands butting up to a private pond, views of the foothills, soft surface trail. Brick bathroom, maybe still open in winter. If you like to hike,1/2 mile trail to Primrose Studio (not open).

Directions: We will meet at the Michaud Lane parking lot. Take Overland Trail to Michaud Lane, turn west onto Michaud Lane which will dead-end into the parking lot. Do not get confused by the parking lot on Overland Trail. Michaud Lane is just north of that lot.

Google Map: https://www.google.com/maps/place/ Reservoir+Ridge+Natural+Area/@40.6063229,-105.1926987,13z/ data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x8769363ad63720c3:0xd621e58b9dad207c! 8m2!3d40.6063188!4d-105.1576744 Trail Map: https://www.fcgov.com/naturalareas/pdf/res-ridge-trailmap2016.pdf?1466709185