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:
SPREE was an awesome experience (again) for my son. The reports we got from him and the SPREE staff at HQ all point to a summer of learning and growth – especially as they relate to him taking on the role of Leader in Training. It was a fantastic opportunity for him, and I want to thank you for all your work in pulling this together and creating a great pathway to more experience and responsibility within SPREE.
Litter is trash that isn’t thrown away properly. It makes parks less fun to be in, and can hurt animals and plants. With an adult – and some gloves – pick up litter in your neighborhood or local park.
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 take you to a local park. Before you run to play, take a walk around the park together. Notice the plants and animals that you see. Point out things that you think are interesting, and ask what is interesting to your adult.
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!
Head outside with pencil and paper for a walk. It could be in your neighborhood, in a park, or – best of all – along the river. Make a list or draw pictures of all the wildlife you see. Birds, insects, and mammals.
Take the same walk another day. Do you see the same or different wildlife?