The Greenway Foundation
A cleaner, safer, more accessible river for all.
Ever biked along the South Platte River, picnicked in Confluence Park, attended a SPREE excursion or summer camp, or caught a trout in downtown Denver? Then you know The Greenway Foundation’s work.
Allow us to introduce ourselves.
We are a group of passionate stewards who care for the South Platte River and its tributaries, and for the people who live, work, and play along its banks.
Hear More from our Partners and Supporters:
This truly was the best guided fieldwork I have experienced in my 10 years of teaching! It was so thoughtfully planned. It definitely allowed me to be able to really jump in the fun and enjoy this experience with my kids.
Behavior management is always really good at SPREE. Your teachers are obviously trained to identify kids who might need extra support/jobs and make sure they will be successful, which in return makes the whole group successful.
I attended SPREE as a camper every summer until I aged out of the program. I was devastated that I could no longer attend my favorite summer camp and continue learning about our river and the environment until I found out about the opportunity to be an LIT! I applied, was selected, and began possibly the most influential experience of my middle school life.
Every summer I came to SPREE as an LIT and took on new and exciting roles. It was my first real experience in having adult responsibility and while it was intimidating at first I soon began to grow into the role and feel empowered. Being a LIT also helped me grow my confidence in myself and my abilities and allowed me to learn and practice leadership skills in a constructive environment where it was ok to make mistakes. The SPREE staff are some of the kindest and most dedicated educators I have ever had the pleasure of working with and they always encouraged me to grow!
As a kid who, like many others, had a rough middle school experience SPREE always provided me a safe space where I could regain my confidence and learn new leadership skills. Being an LIT helped foster my love of the environment and encouraged me to return to SPREE as a full fledged high school River Ranger which I have enjoyed immensely for the past three years! Now that my time as a Ranger is coming to a close, I am headed to CSU where I will be pursuing a degree in environmental education! I owe much of who I am today to SPREE and being an LIT helped launch me into my path. Being an LIT is a great way for middle schoolers to grow their confidence and work ethic, learn how to take on leadership roles and responsibilities, and stay involved with the amazing SPREE program! I will never forget my time as a LIT and I hope that you decide to become one too and experience the growth, self discovery, and love that I did!
Both of my kids had a fabulous two weeks. I can see real growth in how my child interacts/fulfills the LIT role, and my daughter jumped in with both feet and was super excited to participate in all sorts of leading/teaching aspects. Thank you. This is an awesome opportunity for the kids, and we, as parents, appreciate what you’re doing to keep them engaged and learning as they get older.
Creating moments. Moments that create memories leading to generational momentum around the importance of water and our South Platte River. This is what The Greenway Foundation and their South Platte River Environmental Education (SPREE) provide to the residents of Denver. From overnight camping, to s’mores, to SPREE summer day camps, I have had so many great moments and memories along the South Platte River with my daughter. A truly special thanks to The Greenway Foundation, as well as Denver’s Department of Parks and Recreation, for continuing to champion and improve both the resiliency and the recreation along our beloved South Platte River.
Ask an adult to help you find seeds and a place outdoors where you have permission to plant them. After the seeds are in the ground, make sure they have water, sun, and soil to thrive. Enjoy watching them grow!