This 60-year-old bur oak tree in Civic Center Park exemplifies the majesty of this former native, which thrived on Colorado’s plains during the last ice age. When temperatures warmed, the species migrated north. However, it remains well-adapted to our present-day climate. Credit: Jim Myer, Denver Forestry.

Sustainable Achievements in 2010 include:

Goal: Ensure that sustainable elements are integrated into Denver’s zoning code update

• Achievement: Successfully incorporated.  Denver included 9 of 10 sustainable zoning code categories from EPA report

The Mile High Million

During his 2006 annual State of the City address, Mayor John Hickenlooper announced an ambitious tree planting program, with a goal of adding one million new trees in the metropolitan Denver area by the year 2025. To manage this multi-year effort, the mayor, Denver Parks and Recreation and several community partners are working together on strategies to identify priority areas, track tree plantings and coordinate activities.

A Community Effort

Tree by Tree is a highly participatory component of Greenprint Denver. While many areas of the Action Agenda are focused on city operations and public policy, this program brings the Greenprint vision directly to our neighborhoods and public spaces, aiming to foster community stewardship among individuals, neighborhood associations, schools, nonprofits and businesses by planting trees.

Why Trees?

Trees facilitate sustainability by improving the quality of our natural surroundings.

Numerous studies have shown that trees help reduce greenhouse gases that cause global warming, control erosion, prevent water runoff, and provide natural cooling to buildings and pavement. Trees also yield economic benefits such as lower energy bills, reduced noise, and higher property values; and social benefits such as reduced crime, higher test scores, and faster hospital recovery times. And they add beauty to our neighborhoods.

We will be encouraging the planting of Colorado-friendly trees that are adapted to our semi-arid climate and will not use too much water.

Join Us!

We can each make an investment in – and a commitment to – the future. Every tree planted will contribute to the success of Tree by Tree and assist in improving the city’s overall environment. The public is encouraged to participate in this campaign by planting trees and informing the city of tree plantings and volunteering time to tree planting organizations. If you’re planting a tree anywhere in the metro area, please take a moment to register it!

Register your tree

IN-DEPTH:

• Visit the Colorado Tree Coalition for more facts about tree benefits.