Winter brings new wildlife to Westminster! 

As snow settles on the mountains, many animals head to Westminster’s open spaces and lakes for the season. Keep your eyes open — winter is one of the best times to spot wildlife! 

Along the Central Flyway, many winged migrators arrive for the season, joining year-round residents. More than 50 percent of North America's migratory waterfowl use this flyway! 

Mammals 

Mule deer: Move to lower elevations for winter grazing; more active during early-winter rut. 

Elk: Descend from mountain meadows seeking food and shelter. 

Coyotes & foxes: Easier to spot in snow as their dark fur stands out. 

Mountain lions & bobcats: Follow prey like deer into foothills and open spaces.

Birds

Bald eagles: A nesting pair lives at Standley Lake; more arrive from the north each winter.  

Waterfowl: Ducks, geese, gulls, and loons congregate on Westminster waters. 

Dark-eyed juncos (“snowbirds”): Small gray songbirds hopping on the ground in open areas. 

Rough-legged hawks: Migrate from the Arctic to winter on the plains. 

Other winter residents: Watch for chickadees, woodpeckers, finches, and grosbeaks. 

Bundle up, bring your binoculars, and see who’s visiting Westminster this winter!  

(Or check out the Bird Island Cam at Standley Lake from the warmth of your own nest!) 

World Wetlands Day

Monday, February 2
9-10 a.m.
Mower Reservoir

Join Westminster Open Space in celebrating World Wetlands Day! We'll gather at Mower Reservoir to observe and learn about the wetland environment and animals that thrive in the ecosystem. 

Join bird walks all year long on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month beginning at 8:00 am at the Standley Lake Visitor Center.

Experience the chance to observe and identify Standley Lake’s fall birds and enjoy the lake’s unique, natural setting.

Classes subject to cancel due to weather. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Register!

Westminster Open Space is launching two new volunteer opportunities this spring: Volunteer Naturalist and Restoration Crew Lead. 

Learn about local ecosystems, develop new skills, and make a real impact through hands-on restoration and community education. Training, offered in partnership with the Butterfly Pavilion, begins in March 2026 and covers restoration, ecology, leadership, and interpretation. 

No experience needed—just curiosity and a passion for the outdoors! 

Learn more and apply here: Open Space Volunteering

Westminster Open Space invites community members to participate in land management practices.

Every month, projects held on Saturdays educate, instruct, and involve hands-on restoration efforts. Supplies and tools are provided as well as comradery and support from people passionate about the outdoors and sustaining thriving ecosystems. Explore upcoming opportunities below. Events are for all ages.

McKay Lake Trail Work

Saturday, January 24 
9-11 a.m.
McKay Lake Open Space

Work with Westminster Open Space staff to restructure trails around McKay Lake Open Space! Volunteers will help ensure that trails of this special open space can be enjoyed for years to come while learning about the unique history of McKay Lake! 

Barbed Wire Removal

Monday, February 21
9-11 a.m.
TBD

Work with Westminster Open Space staff to remove existing barbed wire fencing and replace with industry standard. Volunteers will learn about the science behind fencing choices! Location is TBD.

Bird Box Construction & Installation

Saturday, March 21
9-11 a.m. 
Various Open Spaces

Work with Westminster Open Space staff to construct bird boxes and install them at various open space sites. These will provide vital habitat for species like the Western Bluebird and Black Capped Chickadee! 

In 1985, Westminster voters took a visionary step by approving a dedicated sales tax to preserve open space, making Westminster one of the first cities in Colorado to do so. Since then, the City has protected over 3,700 acres, achieving the goal of preserving 15% of Westminster’s land area. To celebrate Westminster Open Space held a photo contest to commemorate the community's favorite local outdoor spaces! 

Thank you to everyone who joined the 40th Anniversary Photo Contest and celebration at the Irving Street Library! We loved hearing your stories and seeing your favorite outdoor places. Keep celebrating — explore a new trail, visit a park, or volunteer to protect open space. Check out the winners and finalists here: Open Space 40th Anniversary Photo Contest

Open Space Mission & Commitment, today and tomorrow

Mission: The Westminster Open Space Program strives to preserve and protect the city’s unique natural landscapes and foster an appreciation for the environment by continuing to enhance the community’s quality of life and connection to nature.

 Vision: The Westminster Open Space Program envisions a sustainable, diverse environment where thriving natural areas are supported by best land management practices, active community engagement, and opportunities for passive recreation, fostering a lasting connection to nature for future generations.