Natural Areas and Trails

What is a Prescribed Burn? 

Benefits of Prescribed Burns: 

• Reduces Fire Risk: Gets rid of built-up fuels that could cause more intense wildfires. 
• Promotes Biodiversity: Helps native plants thrive and supports many species of wildlife. 
• Creates Fire Breaks: Burned areas slow future wildfires near trails and homes. 
• Firefighter Safety: Provides training for firefighters and makes future fires less severe. 

Natural Areas and Trails Vision and Mission

A community connected to nature.

Collaboratively conserve, restore and steward significant ecological, agricultural and community-shaping lands. Equitably connect the community to nature through trails and inclusive nature-based experiences.

Benefits of Natural Areas

Incorporating natural areas into our city offers many benefits that significantly enhance the quality of life for our residents. Benefits include:

• Providing a place for people to exercise and unwind.

• Providing important habitat for local wildlife.

• Improving water quality and increasing resilience to floods.

• Separating or buffering communities to allow them to keep their individual identities.

• Preserving long-distance views.

Difference Between Natural Areas and Parks

Natural areas and parks are both important quality-of-life amenities that serve different functions. Here’s how to tell if you’re looking at a park or a natural area:

Parks

• Are irrigated

• Have playground structures

• Are mowed frequently to allow for sports and other activities

• Are primarily designed for people to recreate and play

Natural Areas

• Are not irrigated

• Are generally not mowed, except for trail sides and other special cases (see Vegetation Maintenance Standards)

• Balance human recreation with providing habitat for wildlife

Trail Safety

• No motorized vehicles are allowed on trails, except maintenance and emergency vehicles.

• Class 1 and 2 electric bikes and mobility devices are permitted on trails.

• Keep bikes under control and at a safe speed.

• Keep right on the trail, except to pass other trail users.

• Give an audible signal when passing.

• Dogs must be leashed at all times and waste picked up.

• Be respectful of residential neighborhoods and fellow trail users.

• Place trash and pet waste in designated bins.

• Do not harass wildlife.

View the full list of rules and regulations when visiting natural areas and trails in Greeley.