The Greenway Foundation
A cleaner, safer, more accessible river for all.
Ever caught a trout in the South Platte, picnicked in Confluence Park, attended SPREE summer camp, or biked along our Colorado waterways? 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:
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!
They always come home having learned quite a lot of good things, about recycling, or invertebrates who live in the South Platte River, or the wildlife around here. They have fun, and it seems to be a nice balance of learning and playing.
As a third generation Denverite, I am proud to support The Greenway Foundation’s success in returning the South Platte to something we can be proud of. While TGF’s impact on Denver and her surrounding communities is immeasurable, the work is far from over. Their continued efforts toward science education and green initiatives make them an essential partner to the success of our city.
Wait for a day when it is raining or snowing. This is precipitation, or water that falls from the sky. All this water eventually becomes part of the lakes and rivers in our ecosystem. Stand in the precipitation. How do you feel? Notice what it looks like when it reaches the ground. Stomp around and listen. What do you hear?
Becoming a youth ambassador was sort of a serendipitous moment. When I first joined, I thought I would primarily be involved with helping to design the creek, then perform community outreach. Which, by no means, is a “small” part of the job. But I also was surprised to find how many opportunities there were for me to apply outside passions to my work. Whether it was videography, photography, writing, or design, I found it fascinating how I could develop my creativity in meaningful and enriching ways.
Stepping out of my comfort zone was something I thought I’d never do. When asked to be involved in a huge renovation project, I was indecisive at first, but when I was asked to become a youth ambassador, I instantly knew this was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. This risk is the reason I found passion in work, and ultimately allowed me to grow my mind into fascinating topics I wouldn’t have not considered before. Becoming a youth ambassador was the most rewarding risk I’ve taken and haven’t looked back at.