Together, we can create a unique community destination!
The Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, Rocky Mountain Raptor Program, Northern Colorado Wildlife Center and supporting partner Audubon Rockies have come together to propose the creation of the Wildlife & Nature Campus at Hughes. We foresee building a top-rated, nature-inspired facility to connect people of all ages and abilities with nature. This opportunity will be unique to our community!
The Campus will welcome visitors to experience and participate in nature exploration, habitat restoration, scientific research and more. To put it simply, educational and outdoor opportunities will be plentiful and geared for everyone. Some notable opportunities include:
- Enhanced rescue and rehabilitation facilities to accommodate a greater diversity of raptors and other wildlife species
- Interaction with live educational ambassador eagles, owls, reptiles, and amphibians living on site
- Taking part in migratory bird banding efforts at a neighboring banding station
- Access to the existing trail system in bordering Natural Areas
- Volunteer and internship opportunities
- Experiential learning and environmental education in and outside a dedicated rehabilitation/education center
- Wildlife viewing in an intact habitat corridor that acts as a critical transition from our busy urban center to the mountains
- Access to conservation how-tos that can be implemented at home, school, or in neighborhoods
The Campus will be open to the public, and built to accommodate school groups, college students, and community members looking to connect with our foothills ecosystem along the Front Range.
The design of the Wildlife & Nature Concept building is meant to reflect the natural hogback of the hill to the west, blending in with the natural environment. Artist Conceptual Rendition – Not Actual Design
Fulfilling the will of a community
The Campus will enhance our community’s long-standing connection with nature and wildlife. The successful 2021 Fort Collins ballot initiative called for the 163 acres of the Hughes Stadium property to be rezoned and used for parks, recreation, open lands, natural areas, and wildlife rescue and restoration. The project we propose aligns with the voters’ will and has elements that includes all of these concepts. Additionally, the city of Fort Collins, Larimer County and its residents have a long history of valuing our outdoor spaces and access to them. The Wildlife & Nature Campus will continue with that heritage and offers a unique opportunity to give back to nature by protecting this unique, beautiful, and biodiverse area in our community’s backyard.
