Land

Flores Del Sol Natural Area

Kestrel Fields Natural Area

Pryor Farm

Flores del Sol is a 152-acre Natural Area west of Timberline Road and south of Carpenter Road. The name means "flowers of the sun" in Spanish, named with a vision to establish native wildflowers and grass buffers around agricultural fields to enhance the site for pollinators and other wildlife.

Habitat restoration and conservation agriculture in the Natural Area is perpetuated by a partnership with PVCF, where multiple producers lease acreage to grow vegetables and raise livestock. A seasonal farm stand on the property can be accessed from South Timberline Road.

A sign reading “City of Fort Collins, Flores Del Sol Natural Area” stands in front of a field with wildflowers, grass, and distant mountains under a clear blue sky. A small red barn and other buildings are visible in the background.

Kestrel Fields is a 73-acre multi-use Natural Area located off West Vine Drive. In addition to the 1.4 mile walking trail, Kestrel Fields Natural Area houses a thriving farm, which is part of PVCF's Conservation Agriculture partnership with the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department. Conservation agriculture reduces water use, promotes soil health, and protects habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. PVCF producer Native Hill Farm, grows vegetables on 40 acres within Kestrel Field. The farmed area contributes to important restoration efforts including habitat for birds, insects, and other wildlife and will increase diversity over time.

A wooden sign reads “Kestrel Fields” with illustrations of kestrel birds, mountains, and sunflowers. Below, it says “City of Fort Collins Natural Area” and notes a partnership with Poudre Valley Community Farms.

Pryor Farm, which is adjacent to the Cathy Fromme Prairie Natural Area, is an 80-acre grazing hub leased from the City of Fort Collins. This farm serves as a year-round home base for cattle that will graze the adjacent Natural Areas and the restored shortgrass prairies in the coming years. This effort mimics the impacts of bison in pre-settlement time periods, improving the health of native grasses and shrubs, promoting nutrient cycling and improving water retention.

A group of brown and black cows and calves graze in a lush green field under a blue sky, with trees and distant hills in the background.