HOW MANY TREES ARE BEING PLANTED?
The Plan for the High Line Canal recommends planting 3,500 trees between 2021 and 2035, an addition of 50 trees per mile on average. In 2021, a total of 225 trees were planted across the corridor: Greenwood Village planted 50 trees and the Conservancy raised funds to plant 175 trees with the help of volunteers. In 2022, Greenwood Village plans to plant an additional 50 trees and the Conservancy plans to plant 75 trees. Aurora Parks, Recreation, and Open Space is planning a tree planting pilot which will involve extending irrigation lines along the corridor to support new trees. Additional tree planting projects are being planned for 2023 and beyond.
WHERE ARE TREES BEING PLANTED? HOW WERE REACHES SELECTED FOR TREE PLANTING?
In 2021, the Conservancy planted 75 trees in Denver/Unincorporated Arapahoe County, 50 trees in Centennial, and 50 trees in Littleton. The Conservancy has funds to plant an additional 75 trees in Denver and Unincorporated Arapahoe County in 2022. As the Conservancy raises funds for tree planting, project locations will be dictated by need, availability of stormwater to support native tree establishment, and funding opportunities. The Conservancy’s goal is to work closely with local jurisdictions to develop planting plans that ensure the best approach is being taken along each reach of the Canal, planting the right type of tree with the right irrigation strategy in the right location.
WHAT SPECIES ARE BEING PLANTED?
New plantings consist mostly of xeric species that have low water requirements. These hardy species will increase the diversity and resiliency of the Canal’s canopy as many of the corridor’s cottonwoods reach the end of their lifespan and struggle with reduced water availability. The Conservancy is also piloting the planting a small number of native, riparian trees in certain areas of the Canal that have higher water availability. Scroll back up to see the tree planting palette.
HOW WILL TREES BE CARED FOR?
The Conservancy has raised funds to water the newly planted trees for three years and will evaluate additional watering needs at that time. Due to the lack of irrigation infrastructure along most reaches of the Canal, watering will typically be done by truck. Conservancy staff and volunteers will monitor the health of the saplings and conduct seasonal maintenance, such as weeding and application of trunk wrap. Learn more about volunteer opportunities.
WHAT ARE THE GREEN BAGS AROUND THE TREES?
You may see green bags around saplings after they are planted. These are tree watering bags. The bags can be filled with water, which is slowly released to deeply water the root zone of the newly planted trees and provide a consistent level of moisture in the soil.
HOW IS THE TREE PLANTING BEING FUNDED?
This tree planting initiative is made possible through support from individuals, foundations, and jurisdictional partners. The Denver tree plantings were funded by Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), while Centennial and Greenwood Village purchased trees for their jurisdictions. Your support has also made this program possible! The Conservancy has utilized individual donations from Colorado Gives Day and Walk FOR the Canal to support this tree planting program.
