SEATTLE – Specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op will open a store in Loveland, Colorado in summer 2024. The location will bring a wide assortment of outdoor gear and expertise for camping, cycling, running, fitness, hiking, paddling, climbing, and more. For those who enjoy biking and snow sports, certified mechanics will staff a full-service bike and ski shop

“REI’s presence in Colorado began in 1983 with our first store in Denver. Loveland will be our tenth location in the state,” said Janet Hopkins, REI regional director for the Rockies/Great Plains region. “We look forward to serving the community and visitors who come to enjoy Rocky Mountain National Park, Long View Trail and the Colorado Front Range Trail, and endless other outdoor opportunities. REI will also seek partnerships with local outdoor nonprofits to support their efforts in protecting natural places and welcoming more people outside.”

Store facts

Location: The Marketplace at Centerra, Loveland, CO, 80538

Store size: Approximately 23,000 square feet

Store features: Full-service ski and bike shop, buy online-pickup in store, curbside pick up

REI Co-op Membership: 61,000 existing members in the Loveland area and 1.32 million existing members in Colorado

Closest REI Stores: Fort Collins (14 miles away, opened 1994), Boulder (38 miles away, opened 1989), Denver (47 miles away, opened 1983, relocated 2000), Lakewood (60 miles away, opened 1994), Greenwood Village (61 miles away, opened 1998, relocated 2017), Colorado Springs (110 miles away, opened 1999), Dillon (112 miles away, opened 2017)
REI actively partners with nonprofits across the country that connect people to the outdoors. In the last five years, Colorado nonprofits received more than $4.1 million from REI.

Complementing REI’s community investments, REI Cooperative Action Fund invests in nonprofits building more equitable and inclusive outdoor communities. In the last three years, this community supported nonprofit distributed more than $1.1 million to Colorado nonprofits. To learn more about REI Cooperative Action Fund grantees, visit www.reifund.org/grantees.

REI is the country’s largest consumer co-op, though everyone is welcome to shop at its stores and tap into the vast amount of expertise provided by the co-op’s store staff and online resources. Members who join the co-op enjoy a wide range of benefits, including a used gear trade-in program called Re/Supply; discounts on shop services and experiences; a share of the co-op’s annual profits based on qualifying purchases; and more.

Join the REI team

REI expects to hire approximately 40 employees for the new Loveland store. Candidates interested in joining the REI team can apply online at
REI.jobs. Those interested can set up a job alert on the co-op’s career site to be notified when positions are posted. New employees will receive a variety of benefits, including generous product and service discounts, competitive pay, and retirement contributions. Health insurance is also offered to both full-time and part-time employees.

About the REI Co-op
REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of 23 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. If you can’t visit one of our many stores, you can shop at REI.com, REI Outlet or the REI shopping app. Everyone is welcome to shop REI, but members who join the co-op enjoy a range of benefits. More than a retailer, REI is a purpose-driven and values-led company dedicated to enabling life outside for all.

Kinston, Railway Flats, The Capstone, Avenida and Landmark Homes’ North Shore Flats offer a variety of home options

LOVELAND, Colo. (Aug. 10, 2023) – Centerra, a 3,000-acre master-planned community in Loveland, continues to expand the variety of residential offerings, from for rent, for sale, build-to-rent, newly built flats and senior living, making it a desirable place to live for any age or stage of life.

“We are proud to expand our offerings to benefit all ages of our residents,” said Keith Hurand, chief development officer at McWhinney. “We believe that our residents want diversity of housing, especially at different stages of life, and they should also be able to live close to family and loved ones if they choose. The beauty of Centerra is that grown children can live close to aging parents in a truly unique neighborhood environment that has something for everyone, from toddlers to seniors.”  

Kinston, Centerra’s newest residential community on 625 acres east of I-25, offers a wide-range of housing choices, and has already hit the 100 residential units mark after only 12 months from opening. Three builders, Lennar, Dream Finders Homes and Richmond American Homes, are currently selling single-family homes and duplex-style homes. Coming soon with single-family homes are builders Bridgewater Homes and David Weekley Homes; additional builders and new home collections are planning to be available in 2024. VellaTerra, by AHV Communities and McWhinney, will offer build-to-rent paired homes coming in 2024.

Railway Flats recently opened Phase II, with 180 new apartment homes available for lease. They include studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments that are pet friendly, with amenities such as a bark park and groom room. Residents have access to an expansive clubhouse with an indoor/outdoor swim and soak deck, cabanas, 24/7 fitness and movement studio, a golf simulator and ample spaces to work from home.

The Capstone at Centerra, a senior living community specializing in assisted living, memory care services and respite care, opened this spring. The community is located at 4295 McWhinney Boulevard and offers chef-prepared meals and an abundance of indoor and outdoor amenity areas set in a resort-style atmosphere. Not only does it offer an on-site salon and spa, housekeeping and a 24-hour fitness center, but it also includes a theater and a fully-fenced dog park for residents’ furry friends. 

Avenida at Centerra, a first of its kind new 55+ active adult rental community that offers boutique one and two-bedroom residences, is officially open and welcoming residents and guests. A community crafted with modern conveniences and resort-style amenity spaces to live as you please, Avenida at Centerra is located at 3903 E 15th Street. Residents enjoy a community that encourages wellness and togetherness in well-designed amenities including pickleball courts, a pool with a lap and aerobic zone, fitness center, creative arts studio, pet park, a mountain-view clubroom for gatherings and much more. 

“We’re excited to bring this dynamic new lifestyle to Loveland. Avenida at Centerra provides an opportunity for existing residents to ‘rightsize’ in the community where they raised their families, and it gives someone who has always wanted to live in Loveland—and specifically Centerra—an opportunity to do so,” said Matthew May, project manager at Avenida Partners. “Our residents will have the option to explore nearby restaurants and retail, as well as walk or bike the adjacent miles of trails that directly connect our community to Boyd Lake and the rest of Loveland. We’re honored to have the opportunity to add to the existing fabric of Centerra and provide a much needed and unmatched residential option for the senior we hope to call a resident.”

The newest offering at The Lakes, North Shore Flats at The Lakes at Centerra, is being built steps away from Houts Reservoir. The Flats offer 12-unit buildings with attached garages or 20-unit buildings with some attached and some detached garages. The nine floor plans include one, two and three-bedroom single-level floor plans with prices starting in the mid-$300s.

McWhinney Honored with National Design Awards

DENVER, Colo. (Feb. 6, 2023) – McWhinney has won three platinum awards for its Kinston Hub in the 2022 Best in American Living™ Awards (BALA) by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The awards were announced on Feb. 1 during the 2023 International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas.

The awards were all platinum in all three categories (the highest level award)

Quote from the judges:

“This is the perfect gathering spot for a community of this size, all the way down to the details. From smart outlets at the bar to raised garden beds outdoors to the incorporation of greenery and color, this facility provides a fun, welcoming spot that residents can utilize day in and day out.”

The Hub, which opened in May 2022, is the welcome center for Kinston, Centerra’s newest residential neighborhood on the east side of I-25 in Loveland. Envisioned as a gathering place for residents and their friends and families, its design suggests an adaptive reuse of two older buildings, an agrarian farmhouse-style structure and a brick, mercantile structure. Knitted together by a glass entryway, these two components create a warm gathering space and a sense of place in a brand-new development, with design choices that reflect the terrain and the origins of the land.

The facility is 5,750 square feet and sits on a 1.82-acre lot. It features a family-owned craft brewery and coffee shop called Mountain Cowboy, coworking spaces, a gathering room for community events, outdoor social spaces, indoor and outdoor art, five fireplaces, a community/demonstration garden and water-wise native landscaping. To take advantage of mountain views, the team elevated the building site by 8 feet.

“The Hub is an unparalleled community facility, featuring premier architectural and interior design that creates a warm and welcoming sense of place for residents of a brand-new, master-planned community,” said Abby Kirkbride, general manager of Centerra. “Its unique style/design includes cattle brands in the floorboards, a local artist’s Colorado wildflower mural and framed photos from the McWhinney family’s original homestead. The Hub isn’t just for Kinston residents – its doors are open to everyone.”

Kinston is located on 625 acres on the east side of the award-winning Centerra master-planned community. There are plans for approximately 2,900 homes at full build-out, and Kinston is working with four different home builders so far, offering single-family, built-for-rent and paired homes from the high $400s.

The Hub was designed by RHA (Robert Hidey Architects) and developed by McWhinney. The interior was designed by Creative License International. The land planner was McWhinney, and the landscape architect was DTJ Design.

Now in its 39th year, BALA recognizes outstanding achievement by builders and design professionals in all sectors of the residential housing industry including single-family production, custom, multifamily, affordable, remodeling, community and interiors. BALA is built on the principle that all great homes start with great design, no matter cost or size.

# # #

About McWhinney

McWhinney is passionate about creating great places and providing awe-inspiring experiences. Since 1991, McWhinney has planned and developed more than 6,000 acres of innovative and sustainable master-planned communities and more than 12 million square feet of vertical commercial and mixed-use properties throughout the Rocky Mountain region and the West Coast. Over the years, McWhinney has been recognized for significant real estate development contributions, including being named Colorado’s “Developer of the Year” by the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP), multi-winner of the Urban Land Institute’s (ULI) Global Awards for Excellence, The Denver Business Journal (DBJ) Real Estate Champions – Catalyst Award for Denver Union Station and the Development Deal of the Year for Denver Union Station by NAIOP. McWhinney has been ranked 11 and 13 on the list of the Best Small and Medium-Sized Companies to work for in America. 

About Centerra

Centerra, an award‐winning 3,000‐acre master‐planned community located in Loveland at the heart of northern Colorado, is a McWhinney development that was built on the belief that nature provides the perfect balance to urban planning. As a community designed to enhance all aspects of life, Centerra integrates neighborhoods with recreation, art, shopping and dining, business opportunities and medical services. Centerra and its businesses offer more than 8,500 part-time and full-time jobs. This unique community is home to Northern Colorado’s first lifestyle center, The Promenade Shops at Centerra; UCHealth–Medical Center of The Rockies, a state‐of‐the‐art 187 bed LEED gold‐certified regional hospital; and The Marketplace at Centerra, one of Northern Colorado’s largest contiguous shopping centers. Centerra is also home to High Plains Environmental Center, which manages 483 acres of wetlands, open space and reservoirs within Centerra, and Chapungu Sculpture Park, a 26-acre park with more than 80 stone sculptures throughout. In 2018, Centerra became the first certified National Wildlife Federation (NWF) Community Wildlife Habitat in Colorado. In 2022, Centerra was designated the state’s first Sustainable Landscape Community by the Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado, a designation recognizing the community’s commitment to water conservation and sustainability. Named Development of the Year by the National Association of Industrial & Office Properties’ (NAIOP) Colorado Chapter, Centerra embodies McWhinney’s purpose of creating great places and fabled experiences for people. For additional information, visit www.centerra.com.

There used to be only six Level 1 trauma hospitals in Colorado … and none of them were in Northern Colorado. But on Monday, July 18, 2022, that changed when UCHealth’s Medical Center of the Rockies, right here in Centerra, was given the Level 1 designation.

According to the American Trauma Society, Level 1 hospitals are those that can provide “total care for every aspect of injury — from prevention through rehabilitation.” So this is a big moment, not just for the Medical Center of the Rockies, not just for Centerra, but for the entire Northern Front Range region. Because now, patients can receive Level 1 care without being sent to Denver.

As Dr. Chris Cribari, medical director of acute care surgery for the UCHealth Medical Group, put it, “Being close to home matters.” That pretty much summarizes our whole philosophy at Centerra.

Read More >

Colorado-based Snack Company Leases 123,000 Square Foot Centerra Industrial Building

Loveland, Colo. – Nov. 8, 2021 — McWhinney, Colorado-based real estate investor and developer with expertise in commercial, mixed-use, hospitality, multifamily and residential assets and master developer of Centerra in Loveland, announced that Bobo’s has signed a lease for the entirety of Building 7, a 123,000 square foot industrial facility located within Centerra.

Bobo’s, a Colorado-based wholesome snack brand, will consolidate three Bobo’s locations – the Boulder bakery operation, the Loveland Bakery and the Loveland warehouse – into one single facility. Along with its manufacturing space, Bobo’s will grow its employee base providing new job creation with additional roles supporting the local community. Its corporate headquarters will remain in Boulder where the company began in 2003.

“We’re thrilled that Bobo’s selected Centerra to expand its manufacturing and distribution operations,” stated Clyde Wood, Vice President of Commercial Development at McWhinney. “Northern Colorado is one of the fastest growing areas in the state, and we’ve been intentional in developing industrial, warehouse and distribution offerings to support companies’ expansion needs and drive economic growth in our region. Bobo’s is a tremendous addition to the Loveland community, and we look forward to seeing their continued success as they expand nationally.”

Conveniently located off the Interstate 25 and Crossroads Blvd. exit in Loveland, Centerra Industrial has become a magnet for industrial, warehouse, manufacturing and distribution companies looking to expand their operations along the Colorado Front Range. Bobo’s future Centerra location will provide easy access to community amenities including a variety of shopping, dining and entertainment options, miles of recreation trails and open space, in addition to growing residential options.

“We are excited Bobo’s Oat Bars has decided to expand their manufacturing and distribution operations in Loveland. They are a true leader in the healthy food manufacturing sector in Colorado and the U.S. Their long-term partnership with the City of Loveland is a commitment that will lead to a great deal of positive economic and social benefits to the community,” stated Jack Hill, Business Development Specialist with the City of Loveland.

The new Centerra industrial building located at 4501 Viking Way adjacent to the Northern Colorado Regional Airport will be completed in December. Bobo’s will then immediately begin build out of their tenant improvements with a plan to begin operations in summer 2022. Centerra’s growing industrial district consists of 660,000 cumulative square feet today, and McWhinney has plans to break ground on its next industrial building – the largest to date, just west of Bobo’s – in summer 2022.   

“The level of demand we are seeing for industrial space is unprecedented, and there are no signs of it slowing down,” said Mike Eyer of CBRE, who, along with Julius Tabert, represented McWhinney in the transaction. “As the country emerges from the pandemic, we expect more large industrial transactions and believe that Centerra Industrial is uniquely positioned to take advantage of it. Bobo’s is another example of companies finding great value in northern Colorado, and they will be a great addition to the tenant mix.”

Chris Boston and Kegan McNutt with Gibbons-White, Inc. represented Bobos in the lease transaction. “Bobo’s looked at several different facilities but appreciated the energy, experience and feeling of partnership with the McWhinney team, which made the Centerra development the place to be,” said Chris.

This lease marks the largest industrial deal in the region by square footage since the 2019.

Colorado abounds with seemingly unlimited outdoor fun but few residents have it as good as those of us at Centerra. With so much at our fingertips, it’s no wonder people all over Northern Colorado want to spend time here. And while we’re always happy to share our beautiful spaces with new friends, let’s not forget to also invite those furry companions who are with us day-in and day-out—our dogs!

With life opening back up across Colorado in the wake of the pandemic, we’re all jumping at reasons to get out of the house. Our four-legged companions, who’ve doubled as family therapists this past year, are ready too. If you’re one of the many who brought home a new dog during the pandemic, Centerra offers outdoor opportunities to work on socializing, training and exercise in a public atmosphere. If you’ve had your dog for a while, a little companion shopping or a stroll along the water with your old friend is just as rewarding.

Across Centerra, you’ll find a myriad of ways to spend the day with your buddy—whether that’s pondering existential insights from sculpture art, birdwatching along the water, snapping selfies in front of native Colorado flowers or treating yourselves to a few purchases along The Promenade Shops.

Grab your leash, pack a pocket full of high-value treats and take your dog out for an adventure at Centerra.

 

What to Know Before Heading Out

We love pups at Centerra, but we’re also mindful of the pawprint they leave behind. There are lots of places to bring your buddy throughout Centerra, but we do have a few rules to follow so everyone can have a great time while enjoying our lovely area. Here are a few things to remember:

 

Best Spots to Treat Your Pup

What is your dog into? Natural Music? Art? Retail therapy? Luckily, you two can indulge in all of that and more while soaking up the sun at Centerra. Here are some of the best spots to bond with your furry friend.

The Promenade Shops at Centerra

There are a variety of pet-friendly shops at our beautiful, outdoor Northern Colorado lifestyle shopping center. You probably need to swing by Famous Footwear to replace those slippers Fido chewed. After that, you may want to swap the idea of chewable slippers with tennis balls by swinging into Dick’s Sporting Goods. Here are a few more shops to take your pup:

Chapungu Sculpture Park

This one-of-a-kind outdoor exhibit displays 82 Zimbabwean stone sculptures illustrating a traditional African perspective of family across eight universal themes. Situated on 26 acres of native flora-rich lands, the poignant cultural experiences and endless photo opportunities may be highlights for you, but we’re betting the pet water fountain may be the highlight for your dog not to mention all the sights, sounds and smells for them to take in. Plus, admission is free!

Houts Reservoir and Equalizer Lake

Centerra’s two bodies of water—Houts Reservoir and Equalizer Lake—are huge draws for anglers, resident kayakers, birders andTwo people with dog near lake folks looking to get their steps in while gazing at the beautiful Colorado scenery. They’re also perfect spots to take your pup for a stroll (on a leash of course and never in the water).

The paths around the water are part of a four-mile walking/biking trail system that feeds into the greater Loveland trail network and serve as great spots to socialize your dog without worrying about sensory overload. Keep a handful of treats in your pocket for positive reinforcement and let the training commence.

The water is also a great spot to watch birds with your dog—a favorite subject for any pup. Just remember that our native and migratory bird populations are best viewed from a distance. Your dog might want to chase them into the water and beyond, so make sure you’re abiding by the strict leashed pets rule throughout Centerra.

Native Plants Demonstration Garden

Set against a backdrop of the Rocky Mountains and designed by the High Plains Environmental Center (HPEC) at Centerra, the Native Plants Demonstration Garden is a kaleidoscopic sensory experience that both you and your pup will love. Learn how regionally appropriate horticulture supports biodiversity and water efficiency while your dog takes in new smells and sounds. Plus, imagine the colorful selfies you two can take together.

This living experiment will also give you some great home landscaping ideas, so you can transform your backyard into an eco-friendly sanctuary that you and your pup will enjoy for years to come. Pro-Tip: Scoop some new plants up at the HPEC Native Plant Sale through July 31.

Movies On Main

Your dog loves to snuggle with the family while watching movies on the couch, so why not try it on a grassy lawn with lots of friendly neighbors? The Movies on Main series is a free outdoor movie series on the Main Plaza at The Promenade Shops at Centerra. If your dog is well-socialized and a movie buff, this might just be your new favorite summer tradition. Did we mention free popcorn and cotton candy while supplies last?

On top of the featured movie, this monthly event also showcases live music, Promenade pop-up shops and giveaways that begin at 6:30 p.m. Movies start at sundown, typically at 8:30 p.m. The last two events this summer are scheduled for Friday, June 25 and Friday, July 30, 2021.

 

Have Endless Fun with Your Buddy this Summer

The lifestyle at Centerra is all about getting out and enjoying our surroundings, and no one is as reliably up for doing that as the family dog. There are so many adventures, big and small, waiting to inspire new memories. Just remember to abide by the regulations at Centerra and you and your pup will have endless fun all summer long!

If you’ve felt a little lethargic these days, you’re not alone. The pandemic, combined with winter hibernation, has forced all of us to spend a bit more time on the couch binging Netflix and carbs than we normally would.

It comes as little surprise, then, that studies have shown most of us have been less physically active since the start of the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns. As it turns out, those active steps to and from the fridge don’t add up as quickly as the calories.

If that doesn’t cause a pause in your “new normal” routine, an article in the New York Times examined how the pandemic changed the way people workout. It showed that as things start to normalize, people may not resume their pre-pandemic physical activity.

But, just like realizing you have an extra pint of ice cream in the back of the freezer, there is some good news. As warm weather settles in and we venture outside to enjoy the longer days, Centerra is a premier outdoor destination built on promoting an active lifestyle for all who live and work in northern Colorado. If you’re looking to get back on track with your physical fitness, you’ve come to the right place.

 

Centerra has it all

Our entire community is designed with wellness and activity in mind. From the ten miles of walking and biking trails throughout Centerra to the additional 26 miles of recreation trails throughout the Loveland community you can access off of Highway 34, there are plenty of ways to get out and get moving safely.

You can join others in the pursuit of health and wellness at Genesis Health Clubs-Miramont Centerra, Barre Forte or the new SPENGA: Spin, Strength and Yoga club opening soon in the Marketplace at Centerra. Or maybe what you need is a post-workout recovery session with a massage at Massage Heights in the Marketplace —you’ve earned it.

Additionally, UCHealth-Medical Center of the Rockies has a variety of programs to help you achieve or maintain good health such as Bright by Three, the Healthy Kids Club and the Living Well series for example. There is also the family-friendly Loveland Classic, a fundraiser for early childhood education that benefits The Thompson Education Foundation. This event organizes a 5K, 10K, broken 15K (where you run both the 5K and 10K) and a kid’s one-mile walk/run each spring. This year, the event will be held Saturday, May 1, and will race around the trails of The Lakes at Centerra.

Regardless of what motivates you to get moving, you’ll find it here at Centerra. Even if it’s just walking around and doing a little retail therapy at the Marketplace or Promenade Shops – we have it all.

Get fit with SPENGA

SPENGA: Sprint, Strength and Yoga is the newest fitness option coming to Centerra. Slated to host a grand opening in late May (depending on construction), SPENGA is Loveland’s first high-intensity interval (HIIT) fitness studio.

Owners Jason and Cari Frink are excited to bring this new style of workout to Loveland and Centerra for the community to enjoy. SPENGA provides an equal focus on three core pillars of fitness:

Each class or session includes 20 minutes of spinning on a stationary bicycle, 20 minutes of HIIT and 20 minutes of yoga for a full-hour workout that’s accompanied by aromatherapy in an inviting atmosphere.

Classes start as early as 5 a.m. and are offered until 6 p.m. on weekdays with additional sessions on weekends. Childcare is offered to members, as well.

“The Centerra location is a home run for me,” co-owner Jason Frink said. “Having the space open at the right time and being near some great stores like Target helps bring customers in.”

Jason is also thrilled to be near the Interstate 25 and U.S. 34 intersection where he can draw people from Johnstown, Greeley, Windsor and other areas of the region easily.

For those concerned with health and safety in light of the pandemic, SPENGA has strict cleaning protocols that have only gotten stricter since COVID-19 began to spread. All of the equipment is thoroughly cleaned between each session so that each participant can focus on their exercise experience.

In addition to the workout, SPENGA’s studio offers an array of amenities to make sure that people can get the most out of their workouts. Extras include:

For those interested, SPENGA is currently offering founding memberships with an ongoing lifetime discount with no payments due until the grand opening. For more information and to sign up, visit lovelandco.spenga.com

 

Check it out(side)

If exercising indoors is not what you have in mind for spring and summer — no problem! Just take a jog or walk around Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra on Sky Pond Drive in Loveland.

This one-of-its-kind sculpture garden is a great place to exercise and get some fresh air and sunshine with the backdrop of unique art. Chapungu, pronounced CHA-poon-goo, is an ideal mix of city and sanctuary.

It’s a place where culture collides with nature to offer 26 amazing acres of natural and landscaped gardens to explore freely and unencumbered. Within that space, visitors can enjoy 82 monumental stone sculptures from Zimbabwean artisans.

Opened in 2007, the outdoor museum continues to entice and reward visitors with its cultural experience, tranquil paths for walks or runs and myriad quiet spots that are perfect for yoga.

The pristine landscape is sure to spur an inner sense of wellbeing that can transfer to outward health and exercise. The Chapungu Sculpture Garden has eight ways for you to move through the installations:

Whichever path you choose, you are sure to learn about traditional Zimbabwean art and culture. The park is free and open to the public daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Grab your sneakers and check it out!

 

Centerra is open

Whatever you do, don’t let the pandemic stop you from getting in shape! Centerra is open and here to help. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll or a hardcore HIIT workout, you will find it here.

 

 

For those of us in northern Colorado with a green thumb, there’s no better way to spend a sunny day than by digging and playing in the garden dirt. Feeling nature shift from cold to warm while snowmelt fuels new plant growth is the epitome of spring rejuvenation—and we’re so ready for it.

This time of year is also a reminder that as we enjoy digging into the dirt, we also have a responsibility as stewards of the local ecosystem. Luckily for those of us living in northern Colorado, Centerra is full of opportunities get your green thumb on while ensuring our environment continues to thrive for years to come.

From the annual plant sale at High Plains Environmental Center (HPEC) to preservation activities like Certified Wild status and an annual Earth Day cleanup, Centerra is packed with ways to appreciate and protect the environment.

 

Let’s Get Planting With the Annual HPEC Native Plant Sale

The annual event, which is open to the public, is a gardening enthusiast’s spring highlight. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and dig into some fresh soil to plant new flowers or grasses, this is the place to start.

The Native Plant Sale will run through Sept. 6, 2021. While the sale is always a favorite for plant enthusiasts locally, it’s also a great source for all levels of growers that might be interested in outfitting their space with eco-friendly options. Browse online to see the range of native plants that conserve water while helping the native environment thrive, including wildlife and even bees.

All plants come in 3.5-inch or narrower 5.5-inch pots (both have the same soil volume). Shop today so you’re equipped in time for the spring planting season.

Some of the plants and flowers available this year include:

The majority of the plants and flowers range in price from $5 to $6, which is a steal for such a great array of native varieties. For that price, you can stock up on a little bit of everything to ensure you have the most “Colorado” garden or backyard on the block—and since your neighbors are bound to ask about your new vibrant landscape, HPEC also provides you with the background on each variety, including why each is unique and important to the local ecosystem.

That’s why every plant includes its Latin name, height, width, water requirements, sun exposure needs, color, bloom timeframe and wildlife value in its description—it’s far more intuitive than simply buying a bag of seeds!

The hope at HPEC is that all of this information will help gardeners become more invested in new plants and, as a result, lead to increased years of blooming and lowering water usage for you and your family to enjoy.

If you need some expert advice or more information about native plants and pollinators, check out this video from HPEC’s Executive Director Jim Tolstrup.

 

Centerra’s Gone (Certified) Wild

Life here in Centerra is unique and special—it’s Certified Wild.

We think that all visitors, residents and businesses flock to Centerra for the trails, lakes, open skies, mountain views,native flowers and natural wildlife. For us, Certified Wild is more than just a tagline. As a 3,000-acre master-planned community designated as Colorado’s first and only National Wildlife Federation Certified Community Wildlife Habitat, being Certified Wild is part of our DNA.

Considering Centerra has the distinct honor of being designated as Colorado’s first Certified Community Wildlife Habitat, our natural spaces are something we take seriously and passionately. Being Certified Wild is a conscious commitment to ensuring that nature here remains pristine and wild. With this designation, we intend to keep our natural community protected and thriving for centuries to come so beautiful species continue to return to Centerra year after year.

HPEC is a living laboratory where the non-profit organization does more than just organize its famous annual plant sale.

Barn with Foliage

It serves as a space where everyone from adults to children are welcome to come and explore the native wildlife and scenery.

As more and more of society builds over such spaces and paves nature into the ground, Centerra and the HPEC are stewards of this Certified Community Wildlife Habitat. This all ties back to the HPEC’s core mission of educating communities to become replicable “living laboratories,” which demonstrate restorative examples of land stewardship, native plants and wildlife habitat.

 

Earth Day Clean-Up Event

Now that you’re a bit more familiar with the effort Centerra puts into maintaining its commitment to the environment with its Certified Wild status, you can help take that message and spread it through clean-up activities. Centerra is rallying the neighborhood, with HPEC as our partner, to help clean and beautify our trails.

We’ll kick off the feel-good event Saturday, April 24 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. If you’re interested in joining, find out more about the event and register here.

 

Educate & Protect

When it comes to preserving the spaces throughout our community for future generations, being a steward boils down to educating people and protecting the natural environments. To do this, the HPEC has a set of core values to accomplish this:

If this appeals to you, then check out their upcoming programs and events for the year. With the pandemic, we are still ensuring that everything is done safely and adheres to local and state COVID-19 protocols.

Living in northern Colorado provides us ample opportunities to really enjoy all life has to offer, but it’s also on us to make sure our area is clean and healthy for tomorrow’s activities and beyond. That’s why Centerra and our partners are committed to creating educational activities, program and shopping events, so Northern Colorado will continue to offer us bountiful beauty, no matter the season.

If the air seems a little sweeter these days it’s not the elevation getting to you, it’s almost Valentine’s Day in the Sweetheart City!

There is no better place in the world to be for Valentine’s Day than in Loveland, which is affectionately named the Sweetheart City. Loveland exudes sweetness every day of the year, however on Valentine’s Day, the love shines a bit brighter.

Here at Centerra, we are making sure to do our part to live up to the reputation as the “love capital” of the world. Here, Valentine’s Day is more than just a day to exchange cards and chocolates, it is a feeling that can be seen in the streets where romantic heart-shaped love notes dot the light poles across town and red, pink and white outdoor lights glow against African sculptures in Chapungu Sculpture Park. In the land of love, even the beer tastes sweeter on Valentine’s Day and yes, there are cards, but cards from Loveland are done a little differently than the rest of the world.

Now, we know kissing is a little harder with masks on and cuddling is not an option when social-distancing, but we are reimagining the holiday for 2021 to ensure that it is as special as ever for those looking to experience the Sweetheart City during the most romantic time of the year.

 

Happy Valentine’s Day From the Land of Love

Perhaps what Loveland is best known for is its Valentine’s Re-Mailing Program. For 75 years, people have been getting cards on Valentine’s Day re-mailed from Loveland. Each year more than 120,000 Valentine cards are mailed all over the world.

You can have a personalized Valentine’s Day card sent from Loveland to your sweetheart anywhere in the country. The official 2021 Valentine can be purchased at the Loveland Visitors Center or various locations throughout the city for $3.50. A small price to pay for love.

For those living outside of the region, visit the Loveland Chamber of Commerce’s website to buy one online for $7. Normally, more than 500 senior volunteers from the community oversee the stamping program but with COVID considerations this year, the Chamber is partnering with local partners like McWHINNEY and Centerra to help support and sponsor the Valentine’s Day stamping activities, so the tradition lives on.

 

Valentine’s Lights at Chapungu


While you may think that lights are just for Christmas, here in Loveland, lights are also for Valentine’s Day. Make sureto take a moment to check out the Valentine-themed lights at Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra on Sky Pond Drive in Loveland.

Starting on Feb. 1, Chapungu will transition its Winter Wonderlights holiday theme to a sweet red and pink hue. The romantic lights will be pared with sweetheart-themed décor to illuminate the festive park from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. every night beginning Feb. 1 through Feb. 14 for the Valentine season. Just like the Winter Wonderlights display, the colorful lighting decorations are free and open to the public. There will even be music playing as a romantic backdrop to the lights, so make sure to grab your significant other and come check it out.

 

Love Locks

Love Locks

Don’t let the pandemic stop you from expressing your love with a special Love Lock.

Loveland is known internationally for its famous art installations and sculptures and when it comes to Valentine’s Day, two specific sculptures take center stage – the LOVE sculpture and the HEART sculpture, located at the Loveland Visitors Center, 5400 Stone Creek Circle.

At the Visitors Center, lovebirds can purchase official Loveland Love Locks and get them engraved. Or, in today’s digital world, you can also buy a Love Lock online if you prefer and arrange for pick-up or delivery. Locks are $20 and $25 with the engraving. You can even have the Love Lock hung for you if you prefer, just specify which sculpture you would like it locked to.

For those who do it in person, you can hang it on either sculpture for all the world to see. In fact, make sure the world sees it by snapping a photo of the Love Lock and post it on your favorite social media site using the hashtags #visitloveland and #lovelandlovelocks.

These Love Locks have been known to sell out quickly so if you missed the chance to purchase one, you could win one by participating in our social media contest on the Centerra Facebook page!

 

Group Wedding at Chapungu

What could be more romantic than saying “I do” on Valentine’s Day? Saying “I do” in the Sweetheart City on Valentine’s Day of course! Now more than ever, celebrating love and connection is needed and Loveland can help make those dreamy wedding day plans a reality.

To honor love, there is a special Loveland Valentine’s Day Group Annual Wedding on Feb. 14 where couples can get married or renew their vows with a special custom ceremony and romantic touches, making for a memorable Valentine’s Day.

Two ceremonies will take place at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. at Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra. The custom ceremony includes music, keepsake photos, a Love Lock to use on the signature LOVE or HEART sculptures, gift bags, signature wedding cupcakes and even a chance to win a huge gift basket.

There really is no better way to celebrate your love on Valentine’s Day. And in light of the pandemic, there will be very careful accommodations and adjustments made to ensure all participants’ safety.

Tickets are on sale now for just $95 per couple.

 

Libations & Games

If nothing on the list appeals to you yet, here’s something no one can refuse – a socially-distanced scavenger hunt followed by a celebratory Valentine’s wine, beer or coffee.

Join the fun by helping find Dan Cupid, the official mascot of the Valentine Re-Mailing Program who has gone missing! First, download the free “Quest to Find Dan Cupid” app from EVENTZEE and then follow the prompts of challenges, questions and puzzles to solve the mystery.

Once you have traveled around Loveland discovering history, solving mysteries and finding Dan Cupid, take your “I Found Dan Cupid” badge to the Loveland Visitors Center to claim your prize.

To cap off V-Day, let the libations begin! First, pick your potion. If wine is your love potion of choice, then pour yourself a tall glass of Sweet Heart Winery’s special 2018 Malbec selected as the official Valentine’s Day 2021 bottle. It features a custom-designed romantic label by local artist Billie Colson.

If beer is your tipple, then look no further than the official 2021 Loveland Valentine’s Beer. The Loveland Chamber of Commerce partnered with local Grimm Brothers Brewhouse to create a special batch of beer each year. This year’s one-off elixir of love is a barrel-aged Baltic Porter brewed with vanilla and bourbon.

Perhaps you are more of a caffeine fiend, in that case, the official 2021 Loveland Valentine Coffee from Top of the Lake Coffee is for you. This small, local roasting operation partnered with The Loveland Chamber of Commerce to create the Sweetheart Blend, which is rich with gingersnap flavors. Make sure to get your bag at the Visitors Center.

 

Love All Year-Round

As excited as we are for Valentine’s Day, the great thing about Loveland is that the love flows year-round (and we can all use a little more love these days), so check out the special events happening this month and carry those good feelings into the months to come as we all enjoy living in such a great place!

Hawk on RoofLife here in Centerra is unique and special. It’s unlike living anywhere else in Loveland, Northern Colorado, or the state for that matter. It’s Certified Wild.

Nature lovers flock to Centerra for the trails, lakes, open skies, mountain views, native flowers and natural wildlife. For us, living Certified Wild is more than just a catchphrase, it’s part of  Centerra’s DNA – a 3,000-acre master-planned community that is designated as Colorado’s first and only National Wildlife Federation Certified Community Wildlife Habitat.

This is a certification that’s not taken lightly and offers easy access to miles of trails, open space, botanic gardens, wetlands and natural habitat for both residents and wildlife to enjoy year-round. Just to the west is Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the country’s most pristine wilderness areas full of hiking, fishing, camping and nature watching.

However, living in such a treasure comes with the responsibility of preserving it and protecting it for future generations. A space such as this, in such close proximity to wildlife and nature, must be carefully cared for.

One of the best ways to keep the intricate ecosystem of Centerra buzzing in harmony is to leave it as it is. When possible, just observe and don’t interfere – leave only your footsteps. To help keep our community thriving for all who call Centerra home, we’d like to share thoughtful insight into how to best live in harmony with wildlife in our community so everyone thrives.

 

Recommendations for pest control

There are times when we may interfere with the natural world without even knowing it. One instance of this is pest control. Jim Tolstrup, executive director for High Plains Environmental Center (HPEC),  would like residents to know that rodenticides do not just affect rodents. When you put poison out to get rid of a mouse in your house, it can just as easily harm other animals, including natural predators, pets and humans if you don’t handle prevention carefully.

In developed areas, natural predators, such as owls, hawks and coyotes, can be exposed to rodenticides through secondary poisoning. This occurs when the predator eats an animal that consumed the rodenticide.

“Most rodenticides take several days (sometimes over a week) to kill the rodent, so these prey animals are available to predators after they have consumed the poisoned bait. We urge residents and businesses to forgo the use of all rodenticides if at all possible, because of this risk to wildlife.”

If you have tried every other non-pesticide option, including working with a pest control company, it may be necessary to temporarily use a rodenticide. If this is the case, HPEC recommends rodenticides that are not anticoagulants. Anticoagulant is a technical term for poisons that work by interfering with the blood clotting process, which causes the poisoned animal to die from massive internal bleeding if consumed.

If your pest control company has tried other options with little success, you can request that they use a non-anticoagulant rodenticide like zinc phosphide or bromethalin. These should be used as a short-term strategy to support long-term non-rodenticide solutions. We recommend only using rodenticides inside a building rather than outside if at all possible. This helps keep poisoned rodents out of reach of predators. Of course, you will need to keep a close eye on pets and children regardless of where you place the rodenticide.

 

No poison, now what?

Tolstrup and the HPEC team recommend residents and businesses refrain from using rodenticides if possible to help preserve Centerra’s precious wildlife. So, if you can’t poison those pests, how should you get rid of them?

Fortunately, there are some ways to eliminate those unwanted guests that migrate inside during colder months without hurting other animals as well. One option is using a wide variety of traps sold at local stores. These traps, along with removing any attractive food source or habitat, can be effective in reducing the local population of rodent pests. A pest control company should also be able to do all of this if you prefer not to do it yourself.

HPEC also uses and recommends local service vendor Affordable Pest Control because they understand and respect the concerns for wildlife. However, you should be able to request any pest control company to refrain from using rodenticide. If a company insists on using rodenticide without trying other strategies first, we recommend you look for another company that is more environmentally friendly.

 

Other threats to consider

While poison may be a serious threat to animals, there are other things that we do all the time that impact nature without even knowing it.

Scott Rashid, director of the Colorado Avian Research and Rehabilitation Institute, notes humans can pose a threat to birds and other wildlife by living in close proximity to Centerra.

Rashid says that one of the major threats to smaller animals and birds, nesting or otherwise, is cats. It’s also good to keep dogs on leashes when out and about walking.

“Keep cats inside,” Rashid said. “Cats kill indiscriminately. They react to movement.”

He also notes that birdbaths and bird feeders should be kept clean. Often birds are negatively impacted by these features if they are not regularly maintained.

“In Centerra, humans are a significant part of our ecosystem. By developing open spaces for homes and businesses, we have reduced the habitat available for predators. This generally results in more prey animals, including rodents,” Tolstrup said. “Wild predators are very effective at controlling rodent populations, so one of the easiest ways to address a rodent issue is to encourage more wild predators to live with us in our community.”

We are not just Certified Wild, you are too and that is so much more than open spaces, gardens and wildlife – it’s our personal decisions that can directly impact beautiful wildlife in a negative way. So, please follow best practices, don’t use poison, keep cats inside, birdbaths and feeders clean, and animals leashed.

 

More about High Plains Environmental Center

HPEC has played an integral role in the Centerra community since 2001. The idea for the education center was originally conceived by Tom Hoyt, president of McStain Neighborhoods and builder of High Plains Village at Centerra.

Tolstrup joined the team in 2007 and oversees everything from HPEC’s land management program to maintaining native plant botanic gardens to day-to-day administrative tasks of managing a non-profit.

HPEC’s influence goes beyond simply attracting people to Centerra. They help develop, educate, and maintain a healthy balance of living for all.

Tolstrup played a key role in getting Centerra designated as Colorado’s first Certified Community Wildlife Habitat in 2018 and knows the environment landscape like the back of his hand after working closely with Centerra’s master-developer McWhinney for more than 13 years. Tolstrup cares deeply about the outdoors, plants, birds and wildlife, making his position at HPEC the perfect fit to share tips on how to live in harmony with it.

We thank all residents and businesses in advance for considering this advice. Being Certified Wild is a conscious commitment we take seriously and we need every community member’s help to keep our natural community protected and thriving for centuries to come so beautiful species continue to return to Centerra year after year.