Urban Canopy

The final episode of It’s In Denver’s Nature features the urban forest and the many benefits it provides to the city’s environment—storm water management and slowing down rainfall runoff, combatting urban heat island by cooling air temperature, reducing air pollution, and adding beauty to our community along with economic value. Joined by Denver’s City Forester, The Park People, and Denver’s Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency, this episode also covers the history of Denver’s urban forest and how it was established by the city’s early settlers and leaders who brought trees from other areas to create shade in our prairie landscape. As we look toward the future, trees will continue to be an important supporter of our physical health and mental wellbeing; and are a key tool in nature-based solutions that mitigate climate vulnerabilities in Denver including air quality, drought, flood, extreme weather, and heat. The group also discusses data sources, technology, and management strategies, including leveraging partnerships to plant trees and educate the community on how they can contribute to growing and protecting the urban forest.