It's In Denver's Nature

Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Rockies and looking out onto the wide-open spaces of the great plains, it’s easy to feel like your potential is unlimited in Denver. But when it comes to our natural resources, the potential has limits.

Through the Game Plan for a Healthy City, Denver Parks and Recreation is investing in the city’s fight against climate change. We set out to do better – and we are! From conserving water, transforming landscapes, growing the urban canopy and protecting habitats to instilling the spirit of environmental stewardship in Denverites of all ages, we are doing our part – and keeping our promise – to make Denver more resilient for the future. We must. It’s in our nature.

Habitat Protection: It's In Denver's Nature

The Wildlife that calls Denver’s parks “home” contributes to our resiliency, and their preservation is paramount. From butterflies and bumblebees that pollinate plants to bison and their dung beetle partners aerating the earth below them to keep us flood and fire-safe, it’s no wonder Denver has been named a Wildlife Certified Community by the National Wildlife Federation.

Environmental Stewardship: It's In Denver's Nature

We partner with the best organizations to shepherd the stewards of tomorrow, while also training those who want to put in work today. From one-day volunteer projects to longer-term training programs, there is a place for all to get involved In Denver’s Nature.

Urban Forest: It's In Denver's Nature

Nurturing a robust urban forest means a lot more than just making the city pretty. We think trees are cool, and they make our city even cooler in more ways than one. Denver’s tree canopy is critical to our resiliency when it comes to combating the effects of climate change.

Water Conservation: It's In Denver's Nature

With more people relocating to Denver, warming weather and more frequent periods of drought – we are tapping into this most precious resource like never before. It’s only natural to think about the future of Denver’s water supply. But rest assured that we’re doing our part to protect Denver’s water while shoring up our city’s parks for the long haul.

Landscape Transformation: It's In Denver's Nature

DPR has developed strategies to expand resilient and low-water landscapes in areas that provide limited to no functional recreation value such as medians, steep slopes, and low-traffic areas along park walks, roadways, parking lots, landscape edges and waterways. Instead of turfgrass as the primary groundcover in these areas, drought-tolerant and native species will be planted where appropriate.

Urban Ecology

Denver Parks and Recreation's Urban Ecology program creates a more sustainable park system in the face of climate change and a growing population. By developing holistic management strategies and by implementing both large and small-scale projects, DPR plays a critical role in the city's resilience to environmental challenges.

Latest Blog

Local Artists Bring Color and Creativity to Denver Trails

Published on December 13, 2024

Armed with paint supplies, ladders, concrete walls, and a sense of creativity inspired by the nature that surrounds them, each artist transformed our trail walls into living art. Their works uniquely blend our vibrant nature and resilient spirit, as highlighted in our “It’s in Denver’s Nature” campaign.