In early September, the Forestry, Natural Areas and Trails program received two awards, the Columbine Award from Colorado Parks and Recreation Association and the Blue Grama award from Colorado Open Space Alliance. From 2014 to 2016, the City’s natural areas inventory quintupled in acreage from about 200 to nearly 1,000 acres and includes nearly 30 miles of trails. As a result, the City began to consider how to 
manage its growing inventory of designated natural areas and other similar open spaces given limited budget, staff, equipment and other resources. These awards recognize the innovative approach to natural areas management that the Forestry, Natural Areas and Trails program has taken through its “Managing Natural Areas Naturally” efforts.
“Managing Natural Areas Naturally” has improved operational efficiencies, enriched site conditions, and built and strengthened relationships with residents as well as internal and external organizations.
This natural area management approach encompasses several innovative strategies, including adoption and implementation of a “No Mow” policy involving standards for mow height and frequency, use of cattle grazing and a prescribed burn program. Each of these strategies is the result of support from and partnerships with many other people and organizations. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board approved the “No Mow” policy in 2015 with an update in 2016. The cattle grazing is made possible by a mutually beneficial agreement with a local farmer. In addition, the prescribed burn program is the result of a significant relationship with Greeley Fire Department and includes additional partnerships with over 14 other local and regional fire and land management agencies.
These innovative strategies have resulted in substantial improvements in quality and quantity of native vegetation and suppressed non-desirable species, reducing chemical applications and fuel usage. This has improved air and stormwater quality, extended the life of equipment and freed up staff to address other site management
needs.
Forestry, Natural Areas and Trails staff are both proud and humbled by the recognition for our efforts from our peers across the state of Colorado through these awards. We are committed to living up to the City’s motto, “A City Achieving Community Excellence.”
Greeley recently launched a new map, Explore Greeley, which allows residents and visitors to easily access information about the City’s recreational facilities, parks, trails, natural areas and public art. This is the culmination of two years of hard work by a number of City staff. This site has amazing functionality, including being mobile device-friendly. Check it out, and have fun while you Explore Greeley.