Nature is calling, and starting Friday, Loveland residents will have a brand new place to answer. The Wild Natural Area, at U.S. 34 and Glade Road, will officially open to the public, providing opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing and fishing.
The site features a soft-surface walking trail lined with mature cottonwood trees and willow that provide habitat for numerous wildlife species, such as songbirds, raptors, wild turkey and mink. Elk and deer are also common visitors to the property.
The trail also provides access to the north side of the Big Thompson River.
The city purchased the 26-acre property in 2012, but, a year later, it was inundated by the Big Thompson River flood, which realigned the river channel and left several inches of fine silt behind. In the years since, several stewardship and cleanup projects have restored the site, allowing Loveland Open Lands and Trails to move forward with plans to open it to the public.
Visitors can access the Wild Natural Area from a small parking lot and trailhead at U.S. 34 and Glade Road from sunrise to sunset. There is also access from the adjacent Sweetheart Winery.
Leashed dogs are welcome, but pet owners are responsible for cleaning and disposing of pet waste.
Total costs to construct the natural area were $332,000, funded by Loveland’s share of revenues from Larimer County’s quarter-cent ($0.0025) open space tax. A new stoplight at Glade Road accompanying the project was partially funded by a grant, with open space revenues from the city and county picking up the rest.
No Loveland general fund money was used on the project, according to a media release from Open Lands and Trails.
For more information, visit lovgov.org/OpenLands.
