Experience Loveland’s Living Laboratory

Welcome to the High Plains, where the sun shines more than 300 days each year and the passing clouds release barely enough water to support life. Yet somehow, plants, animals, and people thrive and coexist here.
We invite you to experience our living laboratory at High Plains Environmental Center. Discover how to live in better harmony with the land. Explore the connection between sustainable living and ecological processes that foster personal and community well-being.
Visit the HPEC, walk our trails, and participate in fun, educational activities. Join us as we lead workshops on ecological restoration, landscaping, and native plants. Attend presentations on wetland ecology, landscaping to support pollinators, and native wildlife. Work and play with us as we conduct citizen science projects.
Discover your place in the High Plains community.
Watch It Here
Native Plants & Pollinators
High Plains Executive Director, Jim Tolstrup discusses the importance of native plants to wildlife.
High Plains Featured Initiatives

Native Plant Nursery
Land Management Services
Land & Gardens
Upcoming Events & Programs


Community Garden
Plots are free and available to members of High Plains Environmental Center and Centerra Residents.

Monthly Bird Banding
Join us on the first Saturday of each month, beginning on March 7th, 2020, for a Bird Banding program with Scott Rashid, Director of the Colorado Avian Research and Rehabilitation Institute.

Monthly Bird Walks
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or an amateur, join Sheila Webber for a bird walk around Equalizer on the First Saturday of each month 8am-10am from February-November in 2020.
Live Streaming Owl Cam
The Barn Owls on the camera below are on the High Plains Environmental Center’s (HPEC) property in Loveland, Colorado. We have been monitoring Barn Owls at this location since 2015 with the assistance of the Colorado Avian Research & Rehabilitation Institute.
BARN OWL BOX
HPEC BARN
RAFTERS OUTSIDE OF THE BOX
HPEC BARN
Live Streaming Kestrel Cam
The Kestrels on the camera below are on the High Plains Environmental Center’s (HPEC) property in Loveland, Colorado. We have been monitoring Kestrels at this location since 2019 with the assistance of the Colorado Avian Research & Rehabilitation Institute.
KESTREL BOX
HPEC VISITOR CENTER
Get Involved
Volunteer or Make a Donation to High Plains Environmental Center.
Sign Up for the HPEC Newsletter
Enter your name and e-mail to be added to HPEC’s Monthly E-Newsletter! We’ll send you an email with exciting news, upcoming events, and volunteer projects. This is the best way to stay in the loop about all things HPEC!