Let us be your guide in connecting your group with nature, people, and place. We offer a variety of educational programs and guided hikes. Led by Natural Resources staff and volunteers, our education programs explore what makes Larimer County parks and open spaces special. We offer programs on geology, ecology, wildlife, native plants, art, history and more!
- Public Education Programs are programs available to anyone and everyone. Learning level, location, date and time varies. From Tiny Trekkers to experienced birders, there is something for everyone to learn.
- Special Request Programs are programs designed to meet a group's specific interest and objectives.
- School Field Trips are programs which compliment school curriculum for K-12 schools.
Check out the Education Programs webpage for more details.
We appreciate you taking steps to be good stewards of our natural resources.
Community and educational or groups with 12 or more people who desire to do a self-guided activity on Larimer County Natural Resources' property. Your request allows us to coordinate events and programs as well as reduce the impact on parking, overcrowding and our natural environment. It helps to ensure safety and the best experience for your group and other visitors.
Examples of self-guided group activities:
- Elementary school wanting to take their 5th grade classes on a hike.
- Mountain biking club looking to do a group ride at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space.
- A college geology class field trip taking advantage of the spectacular geology of the area.
- Horseback riding club wanting to do a group ride at Eagle's Nest Open Space.
- Meet-up group hiking at Hermit Park Open Space.
These examples are not a comprehensive list. If you have questions, please contact Julie Enderby at 970-619-4552 or jenderby@larimer.org.
Request Instructions
Select the Request A Date navigation at the top of the page. This will take you to offero.larimer.org; you'll need to create a free account (name, email, and phone number are all that is required).
Complete the Request A Date form. Please note this form is used for a variety of groups so some of the labels may be confusing. Here are some tips:
- Group name = your organization's name
- If you are requesting more than one date to be on property, please put the date range in the Special Accommodations section.
- Activity/Project = the purpose of your visit
- Please tell us about your group = a more detailed explanation of the type of activity you will be conducting. You can always include more details in the Additional Comments box if needed.
We will follow up if more information is required. Once we've received your request, our staff will review it and be in touch with next steps.
Educational or governmental entities requesting to conduct research and/or collect samples on Larimer County Natural Resources' property. Research and collection activities are considered any activity outside the allowable use of the public including but not limited to destructive sampling, entering a sensitive area, extended time spend off trail, a long-term time frame, and multiple visits required.
Examples of research and collection:
- Water sampling of the Poudre River at Eagle's Nest Open Space over several months.
- Soil sampling at Red Mountain Open Space.
Research and collection projects must have a time frame of days, months or years; not decades. Project participants may be required to sign a liability release waiver.
Questions? Please contact Zac Wiebe at 970-619-4534 or zwiebe@larimer.org
Request Instructions
Select the Request A Date navigation at the top of the page. This will take you to offero.larimer.org; you'll need to create a free account (name, email, and phone number are all that is required).
Complete the Request A Date form. Please note this form is used for a variety of groups so some of the labels may be confusing. Here are some tips:
- Group name = your company's or organization's name
- If you are requesting more than one date to be on property, please put the date range in the Special Accommodations section.
- Activity/Project = the purpose of your research
- Please tell us about your group = a more detailed explanation of the type of research/collection you will be conducting. You can always include more details in the Additional Comments box if needed.
We will follow up if more information is required. Once we've received your request, our staff will review it and be in touch with next steps.
Special Events are events at a Larimer County park or open space which requires special planning and scheduling, includes multiple county departments and significantly impacts natural and cultural resources, visitor expectations and department norms. These events require a Special Event Permit through the county. Go to the Special Event webpage for more information.
Examples of Special Events:
- Fishing tournaments
- Marathons, running or bike races
- Triathlons
- Sailing club events or camps
This is not a comprehensive list. Please contact our Administrative Offices at 970-619-4570 if you have questions.
There are several Group Pavilions available for reservation that make excellent spots for gatherings such as weddings, birthday parties, etc. See the Group Pavilions page for more information. All other day use areas are first-come, first-served. Groups with 12 or more people must submit a Request A Date. Rules and regulations apply.
Any commercial photography at Larimer County parks and open spaces requires a photography permit. This includes family photos, engagement photos, senior photos, etc. See the Photography Permits page for more information and to apply.
If you are planning a celebration and feel a Group Pavilion does not meet your needs, please submit a Request A Date. Requests will be reviewed and approved on a case-by-case basis.
Please note this form is used for a variety of groups so some of the labels may be confusing. Here are some tips:
- Group name = give your celebration a name (Smith family, Bob's birthday, etc.)
- Activity/Project = type of celebration (40th birthday party, retirement, etc.)
- Please tell us about your group = a more detailed explanation about your celebration plans. You can always include more details in the Additional Comments box if needed.
Keep nature beautiful!
The amazing landscape of Larimer County offers a stunning backdrop for any celebration. However, before planning your event, consider your impact. Large group gatherings can have a large impact on natural spaces and may not always be what's best for nature. Be a good steward and follow these tips:
- Stay in the designated area. Nature is working hard to grow along trails and day use areas. Stay in the designated area to protect these valued habitats for plants and animals alike.
- Leave it as you found it. Please do not bring materials such as confetti, glitter, rice, or other party favors as this is harmful to the ecosystem. Leave plants, flowers, rocks and other natural items where you find them.
- Keep all voices and music at a low volume.
- Pick it up and pack it out. Remove all trash (event the smallest piece) from the area and dispose of it properly.
- Rattlesnakes happen! Be aware there are rattlesnakes at many of Larimer County's open space and parks. Be snake awake as you recreate.
- Keep wildlife wild. View wildlife from a distance and do not feed or interact with any wildlife.
We appreciate your help with creating a responsible recreation experience for your group and other visitors, so everyone can enjoy being outside and the nature around them, connecting to where they live.
If you have questions, please contact our Administration Office at 970-619-4570.
