Let’s Make the Wildlife & Nature Campus a Reality
We Need Your Voice To Make It Happen
Project Update Note 6/18/2024
We recognize the former Hughes Stadium site is the traditional homeland of several Indigenous Nations. The city is also home to Indigenous People representing many Nations. This project is currently only a proposal, but if our project is approved for the City to work with us, we will honor the formal government-to-government consultation that will need to occur between many Tribal Nations and the City of Fort Collins. We would also want to ensure broader engagement with Indigenous community members. We want to honor the people and stewardship of the area from thousands of years ago to the present day and into the future.
Our vision of creating a Wildlife & Nature Campus at Hughes comes one step closer as the City of Fort Collins develops its community engagement process and they will also communicate with the local Indigenous community. We look forward to learning more.
Today we urgently ask you as a friend and supporter to write a letter to your Fort Collins City Council Member. The how-to information is below.
The Wildlife & Nature Campus at Hughes will feature the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program, Northern Colorado Wildlife Center, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, and supporting partner Audubon Rockies. You will join a coalition of community members, businesses, and organizations strongly supporting the project. We envision a top-rated, nature-inspired facility to connect people of all ages and abilities with nature.
The Campus will welcome visitors to experience and participate in scientific research, habitat restoration, nature exploration, and more. The site will enhance RMRP and NOCO Wildlife Center’s abilities to rescue and rehabilitate a larger and greater diversity of raptors and other wildlife building on our professional, licensed wildlife rescue and rehabilitation services. Live Educational Ambassador eagles, owls, other raptors, reptiles, and amphibians will be available to add to learning and appreciation. Additionally, the Campus, located between two existing natural areas, and Bird Conservancy’s bird banding station, will offer access to the existing trail system and a learning bridge to the natural world.
This project will enhance our community’s long-standing connection with nature and wildlife. The successful 2021 ballot initiative called for the 163 acres to be rezoned and used for parks, recreation, open lands, natural areas, and wildlife rescue and restoration; our project aligns with the voters’ will and includes these concepts.
The partnering organizations will offer one-of-a-kind volunteerism and internship opportunities for students and adults, as well as experiential learning and environmental education in and outside our dedicated education center. The low-profile facility will serve as a gateway to our natural world complementing the natural hogback and reflecting the beauty of our foothills.
The facility will be open to the public and accommodate school groups, college students, and community members. Campus visitors will enjoy wildlife viewing and connections to nature while learning about everyday conservation actions they can implement at home, school, or neighborhood to create a healthier community and planet.
We Need Your Help To Bring This Dream to Reality
Use our sample letter and talking points as a guide to write to you council members. It is important for you to personalize your letter, as it is more likely to be read by council members if you do.
Send Your Letter of Support via Email or Snail Mail
Find your appropriate representative using the button below.
Jeni Arndt, Mayor jarndt@fcgov.com
Susan Gutowsky, Councilmember District 1 sgutowsky@fcgov.com
Julie Pignataro, Councilmember District 2 jpignataro@fcgov.com
Tricia Canonico, Councilmember District 3 tcanonico@fcgov.com
Melanie Potyondy, Councilmember District 4 mpotyondy@fcgov.com
Kelly Ohlson, Councilmember District 5 kohlson@fcgov.com
Emily Francis, Councilmember District 6 & Mayor Pro Tem efrancis@fcgov.com
You can mail your letter via USPS, addressed to your specific Council Member:
– PO Box 580. Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580
No other community in Colorado brings together the ornithology, wildlife capacity, and conservation awareness that we propose. Help us bring this inspired vision to the Fort Collins region.
Please reach out if you have any questions.
With most sincere gratitude,
Carin Avila
Executive Director
Call me at: 970-484-7756 or mobile 970-978-2250
Connect With Our Lead Partners
Tallon Nightwalker, Northern Colorado Wildlife Center Email: tallon@nocowildlife.org
Tammy VerCauteren, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies Email: tammy.vercauteren@birdconservancy.org