Healthy Water, Healthy Communities
Empowering Communities Through Restoration
As a recipient of one of our 2024 demonstration project grants, Groundwork Denver's Healthy Water, Healthy Communities project aims to improve water quality, restore natural habitats, and create safer recreational opportunities in the Lower Bear Creek (LBC) area, specifically targeting the communities of Sheridan and Denver’s Harvey Park South neighborhood. This initiative aligns with Metro DNA’s mission by engaging local residents, particularly from underserved communities, in environmental restoration efforts that will benefit both human and ecological health.
Restoring Lower Bear Creek
LBC has faced significant water quality issues, including unsafe levels of E.coli, nitrogen, phosphorus, and other pollutants such as oil, metals, and pesticides. E.coli contamination has led to the creek being listed on Colorado’s 303(d) list for impaired waterways for over a decade. To address these challenges, Groundwork Denver has been leading restoration and community engagement efforts, focusing on cleaning and restoration, mitigating stormwater runoff, and reconnecting residents with the creek through the implementation of the LBC Watershed Plan.
Community-Driven Restoration
This project will continue these efforts by engaging at least 150 community members through volunteer and educational events. Restoration work will focus on a 2 mile stretch of Bear Creek within the City of Sheridan boundaries and will involve activities such as reseeding, replanting, trash & invasive species removal to bring back native habitat and improve the area’s ecological resilience. The project not only aims to enhance the natural habitat for native species but also to help residents rebuild a relationship with the creek.
Advancing Environmental Justice
By centering youth and local residents in its restoration efforts, Groundwork Denver ensures that historically excluded communities play an active role in the environmental improvement of their neighborhoods. The project fosters environmental justice by addressing inequities in access to green spaces and safe recreation areas, while also promoting environmental education and stewardship.
Facilitated by:
Through partnerships with organizations like Sheridan Inspire, South Suburban Parks and Recreation, the City of Sheridan, and numerous local groups, Healthy Water, Healthy Communities is building a network of support to sustain long-term improvements in water quality and community health. This collaborative approach ensures that the benefits of the restoration work span generations is shared by all, and advances both environmental equity and public health.
