Regional Vision Demonstration Projects
Background
In August 2023, the Metro Denver Nature Alliance Steering Committee unanimously decided to create a Regional Vision for People and Nature that lays the foundation for a regional collective impact model and greater resources for our collective goals. In service of that vision, Metro DNA provided funding for multiple demonstration projects designed to help prioritize and catalyze greater investments in habitat protection and connection, and equitable access to nature across the seven-county Metro Denver region. One of our goals was to better understand barriers, opportunities, and best practices in urban conservation in the region. In keeping with the “demonstration” intent of these projects, Metro DNA engaged recipients in learning how the projects might inform, guide, and strengthen the implementation of our Regional Vision.
Future Demonstration Project Grants
Our Demonstration Project Grants are currently on pause. The best way to be notified of future grant opportunities from both Metro DNA and our partners is to sign up for our monthly newsletter.
Two Years of Regional Vision Demonstration Project Grants
In 2024, Metro DNA proudly supported its first round of six demonstration projects in the Metro Denver region.
You can learn more about the 2024 demonstration projects on this story map and stay tuned for updates about these projects here and on our social media channels!
In 2025, Metro DNA proudly supported eight more demonstration projects. Members of both the Executive and Steering Committees evaluated and selected the Regional Vision Demonstration Projects using a fair scoring process that reflected the priorities identified by the Regional Equity Assessment and Regional Conservation Assessment.
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Dig Deeper Initiative
Denver Urban Gardens
The Dig Deeper Initiative transformed vacant and used land at Martinez Park and April Crumley Park into community gardens and food forests, while increasing climate resilience, and community connection across west Denver neighborhoods.
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Nature Kids Longmont: Pilot Pollinator Projects
Thorne Nature Experience
Two pollinator projects in Longmont, Rogers Grove Park and the Memorial Rose Garden at Roosevelt Park, focused on engaging youth and families who have historically faced barriers accessing nature and outdoor programming. The projects centered on engaging families in stewardship projects supporting the development of new pollinator gardens.
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West Tennessee Avenue Greenway
Denver Park Trust
The Denver Park Trust, alongside city, neighborhood, and corporate partners, is working to transform ten blocks of weedy and overgrown vegetation in the Athmar Park neighborhood to a thriving linear greenspace with native grass, small trees, and pollinating plants.
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Honoring Ancestral Connections: Interpretive Signage for Montbello Open Space Park
Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK)
ELK is designing and installing interpretive signage at Montbello Open Space Park, a 4.5-acre restored shortgrass prairie and outdoor learning space in northeast Denver. The interpretive signage will highlight the stories and practices of Native peoples from the area.
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Improving Equitable Access to Nature through Sustainable Landscape Transformation at Denver Public Schools
DPS Sustainability Team
After the DPS Board of Education passed its first-ever climate action policy in 2022, the DPS Sustainability Team responded by creating the district’s first-ever Climate Action Plan. There are goals for sustainable landscapes, environmental justice, water conservation, outdoor experiences, and EcoSchools certification.
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Many Destinations: Wetland Park Loop
Sand Creek Regional Greenway Partnership
Many Destinations is a community centric placemaking project along the Sand Creek Regional Greenway designed to increase access and engagement. These spaces are co-created alongside community members to focus on immersion in nature through play and exploration.
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Quarterly “Nurture Nature” Service Days
Nature School Cooperative
“Nurture Nature” Service Days bring together diverse community members for hands-on conservation activities, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and connection with the natural world. Each event focuses on habitat restoration, trash removal, and educational workshops.
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Rocky Mountain Greenway Nature Play
Friends of the Front Range Wildlife Refuges
The Nature Play Project at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge included a topographic survey and the engagement of an experienced landscape architect, who worked with the community to refine the design.
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Bluff Lake Nature Center Northwest Access Entrance
Bluff Lake Nature Center
Expanding equitable access to nature: Created a safe, welcoming entry point that improves access to Bluff Lake and the Sand Creek Greenway for nearby residents, pedestrians, bicyclists, people with disabilities, and historically underserved communities.
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Daniels Park Grassland Demonstration Garden
Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance
Elevating awareness and stewardship of Colorado’s grasslands: Created a public demonstration garden that helps visitors understand the ecological and cultural importance of native grasslands and inspires them to establish pollinator-friendly spaces in their own communities.
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High Line Canal Tree Planting
Denver Botanic Gardens
Building a more resilient urban tree canopy: Identified the environmental factors that influence tree survival and growth along the High Line Canal, helping create a healthier, more sustainable 71-mile ecological corridor.
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Healthy Water, Healthy Communities
Groundwork Denver
Improving water quality and watershed health: Advanced restoration of the Lower Bear Creek watershed to address longstanding pollution, reduce stormwater impacts, and improve the ecological health and resilience of the creek.
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Open Space Restoration
The Urban Farm
Strengthening biodiversity and urban habitat: Transformed a neglected former airport site into a productive landscape supporting native habitat, vegetable crops, perennial plants, and livestock while contributing to Denver’s broader wildlife habitat goals.
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Tierras Verdes Community Food Forest
The GES Coalition
Transforming neglected land into community green space: Converted a vacant 9,720-square-foot property into a vibrant neighborhood asset with trees, gardens, gathering areas, public art, and wildlife habitat.
Experience the Projects: Video Gallery
Dig Deeper Initiative, Martinez Park, Denver
Bluff Lake Nature Center Northwest Access Entrance Project
High Line Canal
Tree Planting
Daniels Park Grassland Demonstration Garden
Healthy Water, Healthy Communities Along the Bear Creek Watershed
Tierras Verdes Community Food Forest