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.
Celebrating 20 Years!
High Plains Environmental Center Executive Director, Jim Tolstrup, has written a book to commemorate our 20-year success so far in restoring nature where we live work and play. SUBURBITAT will be a great benefit to city planners, developers, landscape architects, HOA boards, homeowners, and anyone interested in creating beautiful landscapes that restore biodiversity and conserve natural resources.
“Jim’s superb guide will motivate landowners to embrace their environmental responsibilities no matter what ecosystem they live in.”
– Douglas Tallamy – Author of Bringing Nature Home
Our Featured Initiatives
Native Plant Nursery
Open Space Management Services
Land & Gardens
Programs & Events
Volunteer With Us
Live Streaming Owl Cam
The Barn Owls are Back at HPEC!
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!