A tree-planting effort that kicked off in April 2007 with 7,000 trees planted within seven days has resulted in Denver becoming a whole lot greener.
Since the Mile High Million tree-planting initiative was launched by Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, 178,531 trees have taken root in the metro region.
The count includes trees planted through the initiative and by private citizens. Dozens of cities, counties, park districts and organizations now participate in the program.
Greenprint Denver went to work after Hickenlooper announced the goal of planting 1 million trees in the metro area by 2025 during his 2006 State of the City address.
The green initiative was intended to ensure that future generations would not have to deal with the loss of an estimated 1 million trees that are expected to die because of age and decay.
Many of the trees have been planted at parks and neighborhoods identified by Denver Parks and Recreation forestry officials as being “gaps in the canopy” and “urban heat islands.”
Adding shade trees can help reduce summer temperatures by as much as 5 degrees, said Sara Davis, program coordinator for Greenprint Denver’s Mile High Million project.
“Our goal is to get more shade onto street surfaces,” Davis said.
The tree-planting program got $1 million from Suncor Energy and is funded by sponsors and private donors. The initiative also partners with nonprofits and municipalities, Davis said.
On Oct. 17, an additional 150 trees will be planted in Aurora’s Sand Creek Park north of the Anschutz Medical Campus.
The 85-acre park is adjacent to the Sand Creek Regional Trail that connects Aurora, Denver and Commerce City.
Annette Espinoza: 303-954-1655 or aespinoza@denverpost.com
