Our Mission

The mission of the Metro Denver Nature Alliance (Metro DNA) is to align nature-based efforts to ensure more equitable access to nature and to promote healthy people, communities, and natural places.

Trust for Public Land

Equity Principles

On March 21, 2019 the Metro DNA Steering Committee adopted a set of Equity Principles and Commitments that further guide our work, the deepening of our collaborative conservation network, and the projects we take on in partnership.

  • Metro DNA acknowledges a broad definition of nature that embraces a diverse range of landscapes and nature-based experiences. Metro DNA is committed to fostering mutual respect for the many ways that people connect with, define, and engage with nature

  • Metro DNA strives to reduce barriers that prevent equitable access to outdoor spaces, decision making processes, and other resources related to engagement in nature and the outdoors. We commit to working to reduce these barriers by supporting community voice in Metro DNA and partner projects, encouraging partners to engage in working toward equity in their own organizations, and bringing grassroots and institutional organizations together to collaborate inauthentically building toward the Metro DNA vision together

  • Metro DNA strives to build a leadership team and network of partners that is representative of the Metro Denver Area. We are committed to creating an environment that is equitably inclusive, safe, supportive, and free of harassment, prejudice, and discrimination.

  • Metro DNA recognizes the presence of historical and institutional barriers that have been in place and disproportionally affect under-resourced communities based on race, ethnicity, national origin, immigration status, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, class, disability status, geography, age and other identity factors.

    Metro DNA is committed to reducing institutional barriers that impact access to nature and participation in nature-based work by deeply listening to marginalized voices, leading and participating in projects aimed at barrier reduction, and creating opportunities for growth and learning regarding equity in the outdoors for Metro DNA partners.

  • Metro DNA acknowledges the inequalities of power and privilege that shape our current systems. Metro DNA is committed to supporting leaders in better identifying, talking productively about, and addressing the many types of disparities and their consequences.

  • Metro DNA is committed to the responsible and ethical use of all data and information gathered for collaborative projects. The data will be used to increase equitable access and participation in nature and the outdoors and collected in ways that uplift people with marginalized identities.