OSMP Nature & Restoration

Creek in front of the Flatirons

Boulder County is located at the junction where the Great Plains abruptly end and the Rocky Mountains begin. The land rises from 5,000 feet above sea level to over 14,000 feet, and as a result, there is an amazing diversity of plants and animals within a relatively small area. It is estimated that there are over 700 species of trees, shrubs, flowers, grasses and ferns on the City of Boulder's Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP). OSMP also contains some of the most diverse wildlife areas in all of Colorado, providing critical habitat for a variety of species. Boulder is unique among Front Range cities due to the preservation of the mosaic of ecosystems that form the foothills backdrop.

Group on nature hike

Get Involved

Join OSMP staff on a nature hike, visit the nature center, learn how to plant a native garden, and more.

Open Space and Mountain Parks provides free environmental education programs for schools and community groups.

Learn about nature

There is much about Open Space and Mountain Parks that is remarkable or even unique. We are very fortunate to have such a special wild place adjacent to our community.

Learn more about the amazing species and unique areas on OSMP below.

Meet Some of our Rarest Residents

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