What makes a sense of place – and how do you empower everybody in a community to feel proud of, and able to contribute to, where they live, work and play? By helping people understand, value and share their collective heritage. Heritage is the story that puts history into some kind of narrative. Heritage from the past helps us collectively or individually to understand the present and create a better future. And, volunteers of all ages and backgrounds who participate in our Heritage Culturalist™ Program help people understand and engage with the rich history and recreation opportunities of the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area.

On the Trail to Health, Heritage & Happiness™ provides options for young and old to learn about local history and heritage while getting outdoors and exercising on a year-round basis. We have created twelve “Wellness Routes” along the 45-mile Poudre River Trail and will continue to create more. These pre-established activity routes facilitate good health, connections to history and heritage, and a sense of well-being. The program includes both an Employee Wellness Program and a School Field Trip Program.

Learning in Our Watershed is a field trip grant program that assists schools in Weld and Larimer County with scholarships to local heritage destinations where students can learn more about the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area and. Approved field trip destinations include learning center, museums, and historical points of interest.

The Poudre River has been counted on for moments of great drama, and for attracting its share of characters. The river has many stories to share, and through our Heritage Trails Program we will elevate those stories in a cohesive manner throughout the river corridor. Through the Heritage Trails Program we will create cohesive branding, storytelling and visitor wayfinding throughout the river corridor. Interpretive signs and viewing areas next to the river will enable visitors to understand more clearly the messages of history, the environment, or a nearly forgotten culture. Also, the Heritage Trails Program will incorporate gateways that will connect the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area to adjacent town sites, historic structures, natural areas, recreational opportunities, and more.

The Cache la Poudre River offers abundant opportunities for a broad spectrum of river users. Yet, most people don’t understand the power of moving water that can exert great amounts of pressure. And, exposure to cold water from melting snow packs can quickly lead to hypothermia that lowers the body’s core temperature and can be lethal. The increasing population and visitation to Northern Colorado has sparked a rise in river users, and a corresponding rise in river-related assists, rescues and fatalities. The swift-water rescue teams within the Poudre Fire Authority and Larimer County have their work cut out for them and our Play It Safe on the Poudre Program is designed to support their efforts in keeping river users safe and secure.

Water makes life possible and is essential for economies to function. But, freshwater resources are in jeopardy due to growing demand, pollution and climate change. These pressures create profound risks for businesses and communities. We can’t possibly navigate a topic as large as this without some sense of perspective, and some help from the past. The 1883 Fort Collins Water Works is a direct link to that past. By restoring the 23-acre site and transforming it into a comprehensive Water Interpretive Center we can connect people to their history and water heritage, and empower them to become more informed guardians of their water resources.

Some people value the Poudre River mainly as a working river--for agricultural, municipal and industrial needs. Others value its rich recreational opportunities and ecological attributes. Yet, everyone wants a river that meets human needs AND is a healthy river in its own right. Each year, the Poudre River Forum gathers a diverse group of some 300 stakeholders together on the topic of the Poudre River to explore the continuing challenges and opportunities for collaboration.

Pass through in a car and you’ll only scratch the surface of what the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area has to offer. From giant cottonwoods, soaring eagles and hawks, sparkling lakes and rivers, to learning about the history of water use in Colorado, our biking adventures are always original and engaging rides that explore fascinating landmarks and landscapes. The rides in Larimer and Weld Counties are comfortable for a wide range of cyclists. One example is a 15-mile “water history ride” that follows the floodplain of the Cache la Poudre River through a mix of fields, cottonwood trees, lakes, and the river itself. This is a great ride for 5-10 people who might have wondered how water gets from the mountains to the kitchen faucet, or how water laws were formed.

Water is vital for life, and its availability has been a concern for mankind throughout the ages. Our Water Heritage Speaker Series focuses on the history and heritage of water management and the uses that have been made of water in Northern Colorado, as well as the impact of water management on the region. For example, how did the Poudre River impact national water law? How has water management played a role in craft brewing and drinking water quality? Or what impact does the river have on the sugar beet and agricultural industry?

We invite teachers to take their students beyond the classroom walls and into the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area for rich learning experiences — no permission slips required. Unfortunately, it isn’t always practical or possible to take students on field trips. Tight budgets, location, transportation, time, and resource restrictions can keep students schoolbound. The Heritage Video Series removes those barriers, allowing students and families to explore places important to their discipline of study and consistent with their individual learning needs, without leaving the classroom.