Fossil Creek Meadows

What's the Dirt on Landscaping?

Mar 03, 2004

FCMHOA is a very unique community. We are fortunate to have a large playground area and covered picnic tables as well as trails and over 40 acres of open space. These features are for the sole use of our residents and provide great recreation opportunities. In addition to the many benefits of our open spaces, there are challenges for our Association to adequately manage and maintain these common areas.

This year the Board has been actively researching ideas and management plans for our Natural Areas. We sought and obtained a renewal of our Designated Natural Area status from the City of Fort Collins. This designation allowed us to apply for The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Enhancement Fund grant. FCMHOA was recently awarded that grant in the amount of $2000. The purpose of the grant money is to assist our Association with the costs involved in the revegetation process of the ?“old tennis court?” area, a priority set forth by the Board last year.

We have hired Land Management Solutions to manage our unique dryland areas as well as assist in successfully revegetating the 5 acre, yet-to-be-renamed ?“old tennis court?” area. This will include invasive species removal (partially subsidized by Larimer County), fertilization and selective herbicide use with the goal of achieving a natural grassland meadow effect. There will also be occasional mowing of some portions of the natural areas, such as the Meadows Passway area of Mail Creek. As part of our natural area enhancement, LMS will also construct and install two nesting boxes along Fossil Creek and a raptor perch on our eastern border. Our contract landscaper, Cutting Edge, will be focusing only the irrigated turf areas and trails maintenance.

A long-term goal of the Board is to expand the existing foot paths and trails. In addition to our asphalt trails there are numerous ?“social trails?” that cut through the natural areas which can be detrimental to the wildlife and natural vegetation. The idea is to construct a more defined trail system that allows better access to the natural areas while protecting the surroundings by encouraging people, bicycles, and pets to remain on the trails. Any new trails would be constructed from crushed granite which provides a more natural appearance as well as cost savings. It was investigated for this year with the County Open Spaces grant, but the deadline approached before we could determine the homeowner interest in such a project. We would like to apply for these grants again next year and will need volunteers to help construct the trails. If you are interested in helping, have constructive input and/or you have some skills or equipment that you would like to contribute, please email FossilCreekMeadows@hotmail.com or call Pamm at Faith Property Management, 377-1626.