Enjoy a variety of activities and hikes. Organized groups should schedule activities at a separate time; contact naturalareas@fcgov.com. Free; registration is required. DATE TIME NATURAL AREA DESCRIPTION Tues. June 2 10:00 a.m. - noon North Shields Ponds Park at Shields St. River Access and walk over. Sights and Sounds of North Shields Ponds Discover a special Poudre River natural area right in town. The wetland and forest habitat supports a variety of plant and animal life. Bring your lunch to enjoy during a short presentation after the walk. 1.5 miles; easy. Fri. June 5 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. Pineridge Meet at Cottonwood Glen Park. A Parade of Prairie Bloom Explore wildflowers through the months while learning about native and non-native plants. 1-3 miles; easymoderate. Fri. June 12 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. Coyote Ridge Meet in the parking lot. Ecosystem Engineers Prairie dogs, like humans, engineer their environments. Observe and discuss these amazing animals and the diversity of plant and animal neighbors they attract. Up to 1 mile; easy. Fri. June 30 10:00 a.m. - noon Gateway Meet at Shelter A. Sights and Sounds of Gateway Explore where the river and foothills meet. See the birds, butterflies, and plants that live here. Bring your lunch to enjoy during a short presentation after the hike. 1.5 miles; easy. Fri. July 3 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. Pineridge Meet in the Dixon Reservoir parking lot. Natural History of the Foothills Discover fascinating ecological links in this dynamic life zone. Up to 1 mile; easy. Thurs. Aug. 13 Check for cancellations at fcgov.com/naturalareas before you go! -49- NATURAL DISCOVERIES NATURAL DISCOVERIEShttp://www.fcgov.com/naturalareas