Eagle's Nest: An open space for all seasons

Purchased for the public five years ago, the Livermore area open space called Eagle's Nest will have its grand opening June 11.

Visitors should meet at the trailhead. Follow the gravel road that turns south, just west of the Livermore Fire Station.

Hikers and horseback riders will share its open vistas with grazing cattle, but there is plenty of room to spread out over 755 acres.

To get ready for public use, Larimer County built 5.5 miles of trail. The route was carefully plotted to avoid disturbing nesting golden eagles and to keep away from riparian areas. The trail meanders down to the North Fork of the Poudre, where a new bridge allows safe passage to another trail loop. To restore damaged stream banks, members of the Rocky Mountain Flycaster Chapter of Colorado Trout Unlimited made willow cuttings on site, took them home and rooted them for later replanting (photo below).

For the grand opening, guided hikes start at 8 a.m. A 10 a.m. dedication ceremony will be followed by more hikes. Overflow parking will be available at the school, with a shuttle running from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.