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Open Space Information Center
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The Highlands Ranch Metro District manages more than 2,200 acres of
open space. Living next to natural open space areas offers opportunities
beyond those of other urban settings. Tips for living with wildlife,
noxious weed management and how your watering practices impact these
natural areas are just a few of the helpful topics addressed in this
Open Space Information Center. Please take some time to review this
document and learn more about living near natural open space areas.
Click on the blue links to learn about these topics. Please call the
Metro District at 303-791-2710 if you have questions or need additional
information about any of these topics. The Highlands Ranch Community
Association (HRCA) owns and manages the Backcountry Wilderness Area,
8,200 acres of natural open space and trails. Links to the Backcountry
information are included below. If you have questions regarding this
area, please contact the HRCA at 303-791-2500.
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Best Management Practices
Impact of Water Runoff from
Streets and Yards
The water that flows in our
community’s gulches is a result of storms and runoff from homeowner’s
outdoor use, including landscape irrigation and car washing. The water
you use directly affects our open space system as well as the quality of
water flowing through the gulches and then into streams. The Metro
District works with the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District to
manage erosion control along the banks of these gulches. Homeowner
irrigation has increased the amount of water flowing in the gulches,
which has created the need for improvements in these natural areas. As a
result of increased water flow in gulches, we have seen new habitat in
wetland areas, which attracts a variety of wildlife.
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Forestry
Recognized as a Tree City USA for 21 years, the Metro District is
committed to managing a healthy urban forest in Highlands Ranch.
This involves planting new trees each year, maintaining the health
of existing trees and fighting tree-related diseases.
| OUTDOOR RECREATION EXPERIENCES |
Trails
The most popular amenity in our community’s
outdoor recreation system, trails link Highlands Ranch neighborhoods, connect
residents to one another, and provide a great way to exercise and enjoy the
natural beauty of Colorado.
Environmental Education
Programs
The Metro District offers a variety of programs to
foster responsible stewardship of the environment and our community. These
programs offer youth and adults hands-on learning opportunities and encourage
viewing our environment in a respectful manner.
Metro District Park Ranger
Program
| Metro District Park
Rangers strive to provide safe and enjoyable outdoor recreation
experiences for all visitors. Park rangers protect and preserve
parks and natural open space areas, and foster stewardship
through education, information sharing and rules enforcement.
Park rangers support and train with other local agencies
including the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County
Animal Control, the Colorado Department of Wildlife and
Littleton Fire Rescue.
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Dog Parks
Even man’s best friend needs a place to run and
play. Four dog parks throughout Highlands Ranch are designed with Fido in mind.
Even when you’re in a park or traveling a trail, owners need to be respectful by
leashing and picking up after your pet.
Fishing in Highlands Ranch
Community
Gardens
If you enjoy being outdoors
in the sunshine, getting your hands dirty, and watching Mother Nature at work,
gardening may be for you. It’s a fun and healthy activity for the entire family.
The Metro District has three community gardens: The Corn Cob in Cheese Ranch
Historic & Natural Area, The Potato Patch at Dad Clark Park, and Farmer’s Field
just east of Foothills Park. These organic gardens have amended soil, a water
source, and a fenced area to grow your favorite flowers and vegetables between
May 1 and October 30 each year.
Welcome to the Gardens
Watchable Wildlife
Volunteer Opportunities
If you’re looking for ways to give back to the community, get your
hands dirty, and enhance your neighborhood, then consider getting
involved in a Metro District volunteer project. Choose from events
like KidFest or Parties in the Parks, and ongoing opportunities like
serving as a Park Host or a youth sports coach. Outdoor projects
like tree plantings, trail enhancements and flower bed plantings
offer volunteers the chance to get their hands dirty and learn about
nature. Volunteer opportunities are a great avenue for Scout troops,
civic organizations, individuals and church groups to learn more
about the community. Visit the links below for details.
| LIVING WITH NATURE AS YOUR NEIGHBOR |
Preventing Conflicts with Wildlife
We’re fortunate in Highlands Ranch to have
more than 2,200 acres of natural open space areas. As a result, we
need to respect our wildlife neighbors. Please educate yourself and
your family about keeping your yard free of items that might attract
wildlife into unwanted areas. Keep pets out of harm’s way and stay
alert when visiting parks and trails in natural areas.
Wildland Fire Risk
Management
Neighbors of natural open space areas have a unique responsibility to manage landscape and property in a way that minimizes the risk of fire danger. These tools may assist you in recognizing if your property is at risk, and provide steps you can take to decrease your risk. If you are concerned about your property’s fire risk, a Metro District Park Ranger can visit with you on-site to determine your fire risk. To request a visit, contact Nick Adamson, open space supervisor, at
303-720-5917.
Fire Risk Assessment Map
Is your home at risk? Property Assessment Form
The Firewise Program |
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Land Use Rules & Native Habitat
Natural open space areas in Highlands Ranch
are comprised of a short grass prairie environment. The Metro
District strives to manage these areas as a healthy habitat with
little human impact. This means native plants like wildflowers,
cottonwood trees and prairie grasses should flourish while invasive
plants like Russian-olives and noxious weeds like Purple
Loosestrife, are controlled. Homeowners play a role in mosquito
population control by limiting areas of standing water in their
landscape, while Metro District staff regularly treats water in the
natural open space areas to control the mosquito larvae population.
For further information, call
303-791-2710.
This page was last updated on
January 15, 2010.
Metro District
Highlands Ranch |
