Natural Areas and Trails

Prescribed Fires Planned for Spring 2025

The City of Greeley's Natural Areas & Trails Division and Greeley Fire Department are planning prescribed burns at Signature Bluffs Natural Area and the Poudre Learning Center this spring. The burn window is March 31 - April 11. Exact dates will be posted to Greeley Fire and City of Greeley social media channels.

Safety is our top priority. Burning operations will only occur if weather conditions and certified staffing are sufficient. Check City social media channels for updates. 

For more information about prescribed fire, watch the recording of the information session held in September 2024. 

Natural Areas and Trails Vision and Mission

A community connected to nature.

Collaboratively conserve, restore and steward significant ecological, agricultural and community-shaping lands. Equitably connect the community to nature through trails and inclusive nature-based experiences.

Benefits of Natural Areas

Incorporating natural areas into our city offers many benefits that significantly enhance the quality of life for our residents. Benefits include:

• Providing a place for people to exercise and unwind.

• Providing important habitat for local wildlife.

• Improving water quality and increasing resilience to floods.

• Separating or buffering communities to allow them to keep their individual identities.

• Preserving long-distance views.

Difference Between Natural Areas and Parks

Natural areas and parks are both important quality-of-life amenities that serve different functions. Here’s how to tell if you’re looking at a park or a natural area:

Parks

• Are irrigated

• Have playground structures

• Are mowed frequently to allow for sports and other activities

• Are primarily designed for people to recreate and play

Natural Areas

• Are not irrigated

• Are generally not mowed, except for trail sides and other special cases (see Vegetation Maintenance Standards)

• Balance human recreation with providing habitat for wildlife

Trail Safety

• No motorized vehicles are allowed on trails, except maintenance and emergency vehicles.

• Class 1 and 2 electric bikes and mobility devices are permitted on trails.

• Keep bikes under control and at a safe speed.

• Keep right on the trail, except to pass other trail users.

• Give an audible signal when passing.

• Dogs must be leashed at all times and waste picked up.

• Be respectful of residential neighborhoods and fellow trail users.

• Place trash and pet waste in designated bins.

• Do not harass wildlife.

View the full list of rules and regulations when visiting natural areas and trails in Greeley.