At Sterling Ranch, we value joy as a foundation upon which life is well lived. Experiencing a connection with nature and one’s surroundings is uplifting and we are set up with opportunities in every direction. From state, regional and pocket parks to open spaces and wildlife corridors we’ve thoughtfully preserved through our prairie management plans, there is so much to see and explore when you call this amazing community home.
So round up the family, grab your camera, strap on your comfy shoes and head outside to discover the great outdoors, just beyond your doorstep. And if you don’t already live here, plan to add touring dozens of new home models to your scavenger hunt checklist!
Can you find it? A Sterling Ranch–style scavenger hunt
Wildflowers
From pink and purple to orange and yellow, there are many wildflowers native to Colorado. The Front Range, in particular, has its share of springtime bursts of color. Can you find all of these spectacular blooms?
Yucca: Keep your eyes out in the prairie for the white flower spires on these drought-resistant members of the Agave family.
Columbine: Delight in the soft purple and white of this delicate state flower.
Rocky Mountain penstemon: Deriving its name from our beautiful state, this wildflower boasts royal-blue to hot pink flowers atop 2-foot stems that love our rocky soil and bright sunshine.
Pasque flower: These fuzzy purple and white flowers are some of the first to push through the earth along the Front Range, so get out soon to find this one!
Blanket flower: Stunning hues of vibrant yellows and oranges set this low-growing native perennial apart.
White prickly poppy: Loved by birds and botanists alike, these pure-white papery petals stand out.
Birds
According to our partner Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, there are hundreds of species of birds native to Colorado, and even more migrate through the foothills in spring. From prairie to marshland, challenge yourself to spot each of these birds:
Lark bunting: Black and white (male) or brown all over (female), Colorado’s state bird enjoys grassy areas.
Black-capped chickadee: These adorable, agile acrobats are among the first to grace backyards in spring.
American dipper: Find this small songbird in an aquatic habitat such as nearby Chatfield State Park.
American kestrel: Keep an eye out in open spaces for these small year-round natives as they hunt for food.
Golden Eagle: Another raptor prowling the grasslands or perching on lookout, this majestic soarer glides with a wingspan reaching up to seven feet!
White-breasted nuthatch: Attract these tiny black- or brown-capped birds with sunflower seeds and peanuts.
Geography
Can you identify these natural elements and local terrain near Sterling Ranch?
Foothills: As far as the eye can see from north to south just west of Sterling Ranch lie the foothills, which connect communities along the Front Range.
Reservoir: Hop in the car or on your bike to visit the reservoir at Chatfield State Park.
Creek: Check out nearby Waterton Canyon, the High Line Canal and Chatfield for various bodies of moving water.
Prairie: Through our commitment to honor the land, open space abounds at Sterling Ranch.
Rocky Mountains: See those white peaks in the distance? Of course you do! Check this majestic item off the list easy peasy.
Sunset/sunset: Rise early and feel the promise of a new day or catch the last rays of daylight and enjoy a spectacular show as the sun sets over the glorious Rockies.
You choose!
What else can you see or find? Let your imagination run wild and create a custom list for your family. Here’s a sampling for a fun challenge:
Wildlife (what did you see?) At Sterling Ranch, we've worked with environmental experts to thoughtfully and carefully preserve two wildlife corridors so that migrating animals can naturally meander through the community.
Shooting star
Tumbleweed
Arrowhead
Someone mountain biking
At Sterling Ranch, nature’s at your doorstep
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