Summer is in full swing across our open spaces, bringing vibrant wildflowers, busy pollinators, and abundant opportunities to connect with nature. As the season unfolds, we're sharing ways you can support local pollinators, help protect wildlife through seasonal closures, experience the outdoors after sunset, and get involved with volunteer opportunities.

As part of the City's regular wildlife surveys of open space, a pair of Burrowing Owls exhibiting nesting behavior has been identified in the Westminster Hills Open Space Dog Off-Leash Natural Area (WHOSDOLNA). 

Burrowing Owls are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. They are considered Threatened in Colorado. 

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) recommend a minimum 660-feet seasonal closure around the nesting site from March 15 through October 31 (nesting season).

This seasonal closure for wildlife protection will limit access to several social trails off of the Yucca Loop. 

This approach balances wildlife protection with access to the area. 

Best management practices recommend a quarter-mile seasonal closure around the nesting site, along with leash requirements and other restrictions. This approach is currently being implemented in Boulder the Gunbarrel Open Space to protect nesting Burrowing Owls. The City of Westminster is not pursuing this approach and is instead implementing the CPW minimum standard of 660-feet. 

The City implemented a similar seasonal closure in 2025 to protect a pair of nesting Burrowing Owls in the western portion of Westminster Hills Open Space. Thank you for helping us protect wildlife and their habitat while continuing to enjoy our open spaces responsibly. 

Summer shows peak blooms and bounty in the garden as well as on the landscape.  

Look closely outdoors near blossoms for insects, birds, and even small mammals working hard to pollinate. Think about what pollinators are drawn to, their lifecycle, and if they are a food source for other animals!  

Maybe you see familiar pollinators or have spotted someone new!  

Westminster Open Space participates in environmental monitoring which includes camera traps in various open spaces. Looking at species dominance throughout the seasons helps us to see how healthy local ecosystems are. Reviewing data from when most of us are sleeping provides insight into the activity of wildlife we don’t normally see during the day.

Below are some creatures caught on camera earlier this year! 

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.

5th of July Cleanup

Saturday, July 5 
City Park and Big Dry Creek

Volunteers will clean up debris from 4th of July fireworks show at City Park and along Big Dry Creek.

Metzger BioBlitz with UPP

July 15
8 - 10 am
Metzger Farm Open Space

Work with UPP volunteers and Broomfield Open Space Action Network to complete a BioBlitz at Metzger Farm Open Space. 

Cool Season Seed Collection 

May 9
9 - 11 am
Westminster Hills Open Space

Help identify and collect native seeds from seeding plants around Westminster Hills Open Space. These seeds will be stored and used for native plant establishment at other open space sites! 

Re-mulch trail at Margaret's Pond

June 13
8 - 11 am
Margaret's Pond Open Space

Assess trail condition and work with volunteers to restore trail around Margaret’s Pond Open Space. 

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.