Northern Colorado is a great place to live and this is a great time of year to get out and experience the outdoors.

Just in time for spring, there is a new map from the city of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program that will help you find and enjoy natural areas nearby and regionally.

Natural areas are yours to explore and treasure. They are places to hike, fish, ride your bike, walk your dog, ride your horse, watch birds, learn something new, experience history, create art and get away from the urban environment.

The new map has a chart showing where to do these recreational activities. It also helps you find trails, picnic facilities, bathrooms and parking lots. Trail mileage and a peak finder identifying mountains that can be seen from Fort Collins are included.

Another nice feature is the zoom-in detail maps of the Poudre River corridor north and south, Gateway Natural Area and Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. The new map is free and can be found at city of Fort Collins Natural Area trailheads, by calling 416-2815 or visiting, www.fcgov.com/naturalareas.

The city’s Natural Areas Program was established in 1992 when citizens voted to tax themselves to preserve natural lands. Because of continued citizen support, the city manages 32,000 acres of land and 45 miles of trails. Your sales tax dollars conserve land and fund stewardship and visitor services.

Visitor services mean access and amenities like trails, bathrooms and parking lots. The Natural Areas Program also cares for natural places through habitat rehabilitation and restoration, provides safety services through a ranger program and offers meaningful experiences through educational programs, volunteer opportunities and products like maps, signs and brochures.

For example, Master Naturalists are volunteers trained in local ecology and available to lead free field trips for groups. Interested in requesting a field trip or becoming a Master Naturalist? Call Susan Schafer, education and volunteer coordinator at 416-2480 or send an e-mail to sschafer@fcgov.com.

It’s all made possible by Fort Collins and Larimer County voters. Thank you. Now get out and enjoy your good work, with the new map in hand.