City of Loveland
Home MenuFirefly Meadow Natural Area (closed)
5705 Cedar Valley Drive
Loveland, CO 80537
UPDATE October 20,2025: The Open Lands & Trails Division is planning for public access at Firefly Meadow Natural Area, including a new trailhead and loop trail. An Informational Open House was held on Monday, September 29, 2025 to gather public input. Several informational boards were presented at the meeting and comments taken at the meeting and via email will be considered in the planning of the site. Thank you for providing input.
Firefly Meadow Natural Area is an 83-acre Open Land site in west Loveland, near Morey Wildlife Reserve. Until public access amenities are completed, including a trailhead parking area and trails, this natural area is not open to the public. The property consists of upland meadows, wetlands, agricultural lands, an active irrigation ditch, and stands of mature trees, providing habitat for a wide variety of wildlife species, including the site's namesake fireflies, unique in Colorado. Scenic views include Devil's Backbone, foothills, hogbacks, and Front Range mountains.
Once developed and opened for public access, this natural area will offer opportunities for passive, non-motorized recreation including hiking, bicycling, wildlife viewing, birding, and leashed dog walking. Amenities are planned to include a small trailhead parking area with standard and ADA spaces, information kiosk with map, bicycle rack, and vault restroom as required by Larimer County. On-site amenities will include a trail loop with spur trail to a scenic overlook and several rest area benches. The natural area will be open from sunrise to sunset daily.
Firefly Meadow Natural Area was purchased in two acquisitions, the first in 2013 and the remainder in 2016, using the City of Loveland's share of dedicated funding from the Larimer County Open Lands Tax. A Conservation Easement held by Larimer County encumbers the majority of the property, limiting use and development to open land uses, including wildlife habitat, agricultural use, and passive recreation.
Firefly Meadow provides habitat for elk, deer, black bear and many other mammals, resident and migratory songbirds, raptors, and waterfowl, and amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates, including at least two species of fireflies. Research into the fireflies found on-site is ongoing through a collaborative project with the Butterfly Pavilion.
Loveland's Open Lands and Trails are funded through the 0.25% Larimer County Open Lands Tax, City Capital Expansion Fees from new development, and grants and partnerships. The Open Lands and Trails Division does not receive funding from the City's General Fund.