Natural Areas and Trails

Learn more about the city’s processes for maintaining public spaces. Let’s work together to keep Greeley clean, safe and beautiful.
A group of fire fighters in yellow jackets and helmet and a white truck observe a fire in a grassy field with smoke

 

What is a Prescribed Burn? 

A prescribed burn is a carefully planned and controlled fire conducted under specific conditions to achieve ecological and land management goals. Environmental managers use this proactive approach to restore and maintain healthy ecosystems. A prescribed burn is planned on approximately 14 acres in the northern portion of Signature Bluffs Natural Area between September 16 and October 31. The exact date will be determined based on available resources and weather conditions. 

Benefits of Prescribed Burns: 

  • Reduces Fire Risk: Gets rid of built-up fuels that could cause more intense wildfires. 
  • Promotes Biodiversity: Helps native plants thrive and supports many species of wildlife. 
  • Creates Fire Breaks: Burned areas slow future wildfires near trails and homes. 
  • Firefighter Safety: Provides training for firefighters and makes future fires less severe. 

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.

How Are We Doing?

Have you noticed something that needs attention in one of the City's natural areas or trail corridors? Let us know!

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