Supporting innovation in conservation and nature equity.
Regional Vision Demonstration Projects
Background
In August 2023, the Metro Denver Nature Alliance (Metro DNA) Steering Committee unanimously decided to create a vision that lays the foundation for a regional collective impact model and greater resources for our collective goals. In service of that vision, Metro DNA will be providing 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 is to gain greater understanding of barriers, opportunities, and best practices in urban conservation in the region. In keeping with the “demonstration” intent of these projects, Metro DNA will be engaging recipients in learning how the projects might inform, guide, and strengthen the foundation for a regional vision for people and nature.
2025 Regional Vision Demonstration Projects
Metro DNA is excited to support a second round of Regional Vision Demonstration Project grants! 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.
Metro DNA is proudly supporting eight demonstration projects in the metro Denver region that exemplify cohesion of our Regional Equity and Conservation Assessments and support productive alliances for people and nature.
Congratulations to the recipients of the 2025 Regional Vision Demonstration Project Grants!
Dig Deeper Initiative - Facilitated by Denver Urban Gardens
Honoring Ancestral Connections: Interpretive Signage for Montbello Open Space Park - Facilitated by Environmental Learning for Kids
Improving Equitable Access to Nature through Sustainable Landscape Transformation at Denver Public Schools (DPS) - Facilitated by DPS-Sustainability Team
Many Destinations: Wetland Park Loop - Facilitated by Sand Creek Regional Greenway Partnership
Nature Kids Longmont: Pilot Pollinator Projects - Facilitated by Thorne Nature Experience
Quarterly “Nurture Nature” Service Days - Facilitated by Nature School Cooperative
Rocky Mountain Greenway Nature Play - Facilitated by Friends of the Front Range Wildlife Refuges
West Tennessee Avenue Greenway - Facilitated by Denver Park Trust
Future Demonstration Project Grants
Metro DNA plans on opening another grant cycle in Fall 2025. The best way to be notified of these opportunities is to sign up for our contact list.
2024 Regional Vision Demonstration Project Grants
Metro DNA proudly supported six demonstration projects in the metro Denver region that exemplified cohesion of our Regional Equity and Conservation Assessments and support productive alliances for people and nature.
Congratulations to the recipients of the 2024 Regional Vision Demonstration Project Grants
Bluff Lake Nature Center Northwest Access Entrance Project - Facilitated by Bluff Lake Nature Center
Daniels Park Grassland Demonstration Garden: Reconnecting Metro Denver to Colorado’s native and
culturally significant plants - Facilitated by Denver Zoo
Ecological factors determine tree-planting success along an urban greenway - Facilitated by Denver Botanic Gardens
Healthy Water, Healthy Communities - Facilitated by Groundwork Denver
Open Space Restoration at The Urban Farm - Facilitated by The Urban Farm
Tierras Verdes - 4790 Josephine - Facilitated by The GES Coalition
You can learn more about the six demonstration projects on this story map and stay tuned for updates about these projects here and on our social media channels!
Learn More About the 2024 Demonstration Projects
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Bluff Lake Nature Center Northwest Access Entrance Project
Facilitated by Bluff Lake Nature Center
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Daniels Park Grassland Demonstration Garden
Facilitated by Denver Zoo
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Healthy Water, Healthy Communities
Facilitated by Groundwork Denver
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Open Space Restoration at The Urban Farm
Facilitated by The Urban Farm
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Tierras Verdes - 4790 Josephine
Facilitated by The GES Coalition
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Ecological factors determine tree-planting success along an urban greenway
Facilitated by Denver Botanic Gardens