Friends of Larimer County Parks and Open Lands

Because of donors like you, the Poudre River Trail now spans 45 miles and connects more communities of Northern Colorado!!!  

Friends of LCPoL Updates Summer 2026: 

• 5 projects are now underway at DNR with the help of our generous donors (like you) see them below! 
• Wednesday July 29th:   The Friends of LCPoL helped celebrate the Larimer County Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wonderful staff and volunteers at an appreciation event.  
  • DNR Director Daylyn Figgs called out, in his address, the crucial partnership with the Friends of LCPoL and donors, like you, in providing funding and grant matching assistance (Federal, State, and local levels) supporting DNR's mission.  
  • The Friends would also like to thank Scheels of Johnstown for donating a $100 gift card used in the free drawing. 
• Saturday June 13th:  The 'Poudre River Trail ~ Connecting Communities' celebration was well attended and a tremendous success.   Thanks also to those who visited our Friends Booth.   See more information further below... 
• This Fall:  Check back with us for the November 1st Colorado Gives kickoff; our major fundraiser to move DNR's mission forward supporting Parks, Open Lands, and preservation

Our 5 2026 DNR Project Sponsorship efforts of $1,000 each (possible due to your generous contributions!): 

• Grant Match - Wetland Restoration - Boxelder Creek @ Red Mountain 
• DNR Trail Accessibility Project
• Poudre River Trail Celebration
• Horsetooth Reservoir Kiosk Update
• Pine Trees Preventative Treatment for Mountain Pine Beetle

The Saturday June 13th at the 'Poudre River Trail ~ Connecting Communities' celebration event at Timnath Community Park was well attended and well received!   See more at Poudre River Trail Celebration Information. 

The Friends co-sponsored this celebration with the Larimer Department of Natural Resources (DNR)... and partnering in the June “Give Outdoor Learning” Colorado Campaign.  Why?

• The Poudre River Trail provides “A path for Community and Nature”.   DNR uses the trail to connect People, Nature, and Place. 

• The Friends, through your support, contributed to the final 2025 funding to close the last gap in the trail between Timnath and Windsor at County Road 32 E, by River Bluff Open Space.  

• Today’s new Poudre River Trail reality springs from a 50 year vision made real by the commitment and generosity of many Northern Colorado communities, governments, organizations, and donors. 

“The programs you support today are shaping the leaders, stewards, and problem-solvers of tomorrow. Giving to outdoor learning is one of the most hopeful investments you can make.” ...Jean Carpenter, President, Friends of Larimer County Parks and Open Lands.   Jean is a lifelong nature and science educator; and longtime contributor to Northern Colorado open spaces conservation.  

We now have a goal of $250 donations this summer  to help Larimer DNR and the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (CAEE) "Give Where It Grows"... From forests to field trips, your support fuels outdoor experiences for all.” 

See how it works at Give Outdoor Learning in Colorado   Explore and sign up for DNR’s programs at DNR Education Programs. 

Over 95 cents of every $1 donated goes to creating a meaningful impact as the Friends of Larimer County Parks and Open Lands (LCPOL) partner to help achieve the Department of Natural Resources (LCDNR)'s mission to Connect People, Nature, and Place using trails.   In 2025, LCDNR engaged 10,943 participants through their programs and offerings. 

Summer giving is still open!  Your contributions are appreciated and make a difference in Northern Colorado!  

• In 2025, we supported the new Inlet Bay to South Bay Trail with new tools, helped give wildlife clean water at Red Mountain with a Solar powered well, and provided a matching grant to conserve 5,000 acres in Livermore. 

• Through your generosity, we met our 2025 Colorado Gives $2500 goal and have now committed funds to 5 DNR programs in 2026 with more expected!