Fox Ranch
Where East (Species) Meets West (Species)
Preserve Highlights
This is a meeting ground for bird species from the eastern and western United States, many of which find themselves at the farthest extent of their ranges. Rare fish and amphibians, like the orange-throated darter and the plains leopard frog, reside in the Arickaree River, which flows through the ranch.
The Arickaree may be Colorado's last intact example of a relatively free-flowing plains river. Coaxed from deep underground aquifers, it is narrow, shallow and slow-moving.
The lush, green cottonwood forest along the riverbanks of the ranch provides a welcome oasis in the midst of an agricultural community. The surrounding prairie paints a landscape of diverse textures, shapes, and colors.
Location
Northeastern Colorado: southwest of Wray, between the towns of Joes and Idalia
Visiting the Preserve
Because this is an operating cattle ranch, it is not open for public visitation.
Size
14,700 acres
Plants
Many native grasses thrive here:
- Big bluestem/indiangrass wet tallgrass prairie
- Bluegrama grass shortgrass prairie
- Little bluestem/side-oats grama great plains
- Needle-and-thread mixedgrass prairie
- Northern sandhill prairie
Aquatic Fishes and Frogs
- Brassy minnow
- Northern cricket frog
- Orange-throated darter
- Plains leopard frog
- Plains minnow (historic presence)
- River shiner (historic presence)
Birds
- Bell's vireo
- Burrowing owl
- Ferruginous hawk
- Lark bunting (Colorado's State Bird)
- Sparrows (at least three species)
- Swainson's hawk
- Upland sandpiper
Why The Conservancy Selected This Site
Because it is home to high-quality examples of native prairie and riparian plant communities - ones that support a diverse range of animals.
What The Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing
The Conservancy acquired the 14,700-acre ranch in 1998. We manage the ranch for both conservation and agricultural values. We maintain cattle grazing leases on-site and use grazing management plans compatible with our conservation goals.
Conservation priorities include the following:
- Management of invasive species (both noxious weeds and non-native animals)
- Hiring locally-based staff to create relationships and partnerships within the community to ensure long-term research and protection within this region
- Education and outreach activities focused on riparian habitat and the role of groundwater
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