To combat climate change, each and every one of Denver’s 700,000 residents needs to get involved. While there are big, systemic changes that must be made, collective action of the citizenry is also critical.
For those who live in dense, urban areas, individual climate action might seem elusive. How do you plant a tree in a concrete jungle? Is it possible to breathe life into a city if you can’t grow a garden? At Denver Urban Gardens, or DUG, we believe that urban green spaces with numerous trees, thriving pollinator populations and food-bearing plants invite city dwellers to be part of the solution.
Incorporating green space in urban areas, like Denver’s downtown districts, requires vision. City planners can be the catalyst to incorporating active green spaces, such as community gardens and food forests, into every design. These spaces deliver all the “environmental services” benefits including supporting a variety of living plants and animals, carbon sequestration, temperature reduction, increased oxygen content and more, while engaging people in the community to envision, build and care for these spaces. We all are empowered to be the solution.
The future of thriving cities depends on having green spaces. In its forthcoming Urban Forest Strategic Plan, the city of Denver — in particular Denver Parks and Recreation and the Office of the City Forester — will recognize the need to increase the number of plants and trees. But, the responsibility doesn’t fall entirely on those departments to protect the city’s future as a thriving urban area. Partnerships among cities, public companies, private entities, community groups and nonprofit organizations, like DUG, can expedite the growth and efficient, collaborative care for green spaces.
In digging deeper into community gardens, these spaces are much more than a hobby. Whether we’re growing in backyards or joining a community garden, the climate impact of these green spaces is often overlooked. Community gardens, like the 200 sites in the DUG network, transform underutilized, fallow land into thriving, biodiverse hubs. And, by placing a variety of plants alongside our neighbors, we are creating community by establishing a highly valued “third place” — somewhere outside of work or home where individuals find peace, purpose or community.
Food forests are another opportunity to expand green spaces. These spaces prove that to create a sustainable future, we should take our cue from the past. Food forests are one of the most ancient forms of land stewardship, and they have huge benefits for modern cities. Establishing urban orchards goes beyond planting more trees to developing regenerative spaces. The forests not only contribute to the urban tree canopy but also provide food for generations.
For thousands of years, cultures around the world have designed unique food forests based on the needs and opportunities of their region. With seven diverse layers of trees, shrubs, annuals and perennials that thrive together, food forests also yield medicine and habitat. In addition to producing fruit, nuts and berries, these urban orchards reduce the heat island effect, attract pollinators, conserve resources and help restore healthy ecosystems.
As surface temperatures rise, urban spaces will need shade and biodiversity to survive, which is why working with Denver’s Parks and Recreation Department, Denver Public Schools, and other community partners to establish food forests has been a focus at DUG. Through the Etkin Family Food Forest Initiative, DUG has planted 20 food forests throughout the metro area.
There’s a saying, “it takes a village …” but in this case, it takes a city — residents, leadership, volunteers, developers — to make urban green space a priority. We’re at a crucial point in Denver’s growth to protect the green space we have while finding solutions for incorporating more of them within our city.
This is where everyone can get involved in climate action. During Earth Month, and in particular on Earth Day (April 22), the environment is top of mind. Take the opportunity to reach out to your city leaders to encourage the greening of underutilized spaces. Attend town hall meetings to ensure trees and gardens are incorporated into major development plans.
As NASA reports, climate warming is happening at a rate not seen in 10,000 years, we have no time to waste. Use your voice to further encourage more green spaces that not only fight climate change but help to grow healthier landscapes and connected communities. It’s paramount to the future of Denver as a thriving city.
Linda Appel Lipsius lives in Denver and is the executive director at Denver Urban Gardens.
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