The Nature Conservancy Part of Collaborative Effort to Plant First Ever “Pocket Forest” in the Region
Media Contacts
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Tracey Stone
Media Relations
Email: tstone@tnc.org
In October, students, families, and community partners planted “Pocket Forest” at Marie L. Greenwood Elementary (5130 Durham Ct.)
This is the first-ever pocket forest in the Rocky Mountain region. A pocket forest is a small and densely vegetated area filled with trees, shrubs, and other plants. They can help make a neighborhood cooler, improve air quality, and provide homes for animals and insects. This particular pocket forest will also provide STEM learning opportunities for Marie L. Greenwood students, and connect them to the outdoors.
“Marie. L Greenwood once said, ‘If you shoot for the stars, you’ll at least hit the tree tops!’ Inspired by her words we are planting seeds–literally and figuratively–for a brighter, greener tomorrow right here on our campus,” said Greenwood Elementary Principal Blake Hammond.
The Trust for Public Land (TPL), SUGi, and The Nature Conservancy worked with the school community and Denver Public Schools Sustainability Department to learn how well the pocket forest method performs in the region and how it can be applied to other schoolyards and similar environments. More information on the project can be found at https://www.sugiproject.com/forests/marie-greenwood-forest.
“The Pocket Forest Initiative is about reimagining what’s possible in our neighborhoods,” said Antonio Benton, Project Manager for The Trust for Public Land. “By combining community-driven design with the power of nature, we’re creating places that not only clean our air and restore habitat, but also foster belonging, connection, and pride in the places people call home.”
“According to the National Weather Service, the number of 90°F+ days in Denver has increased significantly over the past few decades, with projections suggesting even hotter summers ahead,” said Chris Hawkins, Healthy Cities Director for The Nature Conservancy in Colorado. “To help offset climate change, we are working alongside partners to increase the tree canopy in the city’s hottest areas.”
About Marie L. Greenwood Elementary
Marie L. Greenwood Elementary, part of Denver Public Schools, is named for Dr. Marie L. Greenwood, a pioneering educator and civil rights leader whose legacy continues to inspire the Greenwood community’s commitment to learning, leadership, and inclusion.
About The Trust for Public Land
The Trust for Public Land (TPL) creates parks and protects land for people, ensuring healthy, livable communities for generations to come.
About SUGi
SUGi is a global collective focused on restoring biodiversity through the creation of pocket forests and regenerative urban ecosystems.
About The Nature Conservancy in Colorado
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) works to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends, advancing science-based solutions to address climate change, protect biodiversity, and build resilient communities.
The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more resilient. The Nature Conservancy is working to make a lasting difference around the world in 83 countries and territories (39 by direct conservation impact and 44 through partners) through a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit nature.org or follow @nature_press on X.