Restoring Nature Where It’s Needed Most: DPS Sustainable Landscape Transformation
With support from the Metro Denver Nature Alliance’s 2025 Demonstration Project Grant, the Denver Public Schools (DPS) Sustainability Team is piloting a project to transform one of its school sites into a sustainable native landscape that promotes ecological health, learning, and community connection. In partnership with Superbloom, DPS is analyzing sites across the district to identify opportunities for water conservation and land regeneration, beginning with this first pilot site.
Transforming Urban Spaces into Living Classrooms
Located in an area with limited green space, this pilot project will bring nature back into the city by creating a small but powerful pollinator and therapeutic garden. The restored landscape will help reduce the urban heat island effect, create habitat for native pollinators, and demonstrate the beauty and practicality of sustainable design.
Beyond its environmental impact, the site will serve as a living classroom where students, teachers, and community members can explore the benefits of native landscapes and gain hands-on experience with sustainability practices.
Centering Equity, Access, and Education
DPS represents a wide and diverse student population, including many from historically marginalized communities. This project is designed to be accessible and inclusive, inviting students, staff, and community members to shape the space through active participation and feedback.
By piloting this transformation, the DPS Sustainability Team aims to gain valuable insight into how sustainable landscaping can be implemented effectively across other school sites and beyond. The project stands as a model for how education, ecology, and equity can come together to create greener, healthier, and more connected urban environments.