Cottonwood Hollow Natural Area - A Nature Lover's Paradise 

Cottonwood Hollow Natural Area is a paradise for nature lovers in the Metro Area of Fort Collins, Colorado. With 39 ponds and 278 acres of open water in the Poudre River corridor, this wet meadow is an uncommon habitat type and a great place to spot wildlife. Two easy hiking trails are great for the whole family, and more strenuous hikes for those looking for a challenge. The area also provides wet meadow habitat, which attracts a variety of animals. 

Wildlife Viewing Opportunities 

Cottonwood Hollow Natural Area is home to many species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Bird watchers will find plenty to explore here, with over 100 species of birds recorded in the area. The most common species include American kestrels, bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, and northern harriers. Mammals like mule deer, coyotes, and beavers can be spotted. In addition, reptiles like western fence lizards and garter snakes are found here.

Hiking Trails 

Cottonwood Hollow Natural Area has two easy hiking trails that are great for the whole family. These trails offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape and provide opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitats. For those looking for more challenging hikes, several more strenuous trails are available in the area. All trails are marked with signs indicating their difficulty level so hikers can choose the trail that best suits their needs. 

A Unique Habitat Type 

The wet meadow at Cottonwood Hollow Natural Area is an uncommon habitat type that provides a unique opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural environment. This habitat supports many species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and aquatic life. The area also has several ponds and streams that provide additional habitats for marine species such as fish and turtles. In addition to providing habitats for wildlife, the wet meadow helps protect the local watershed by preventing erosion and filtering pollutants from runoff. 

Bird Watching Opportunities 

The wet meadow at Cottonwood Hollow Natural Area provides excellent bird-watching opportunities due to its unique habitat type. The area is home to many species of birds, including ducks, geese, hawks, owls, woodpeckers, warblers, thrushes, sparrows, finches, and more. Bird watchers can observe these birds in their natural environment while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding landscape. 

Other Activities 

In addition to hiking, Cottonwood Hollow Natural Area offers many other activities, such as fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and bird watching. Fishing is allowed in designated areas with valid permits from Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW). Kayaking and canoeing can be done on one of the 39 ponds located throughout the region or along sections of the Poudre River corridor. Bird watching is especially popular here due to its diverse bird population – bring your binoculars! 

Conclusion 

Cottonwood Hollow Natural Area is a fantastic place to explore nature in all its beauty. Whether you're looking for an easy hike or some fishing fun – this natural area has something for everyone! So grab your gear and head out into nature – you won't regret it. 

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