The Natural Areas Program aims to:
There are sites in Denver with the ability to repair themselves and return to compositions similar to their original state. Babi Yar, Paul Hentzell Open Space, and portions of Parkfield and Bear Creek are four examples. The Natural Areas staff helps these areas become more sustainable, healthy environments by controlling noxious weeds. Noxious weeds are foreign invaders that without intervention will prevent these areas from restoring themselves. Once the invasive competition is removed, the native grasses and wildflowers thrive. To jumpstart the restoration process, we use a variety of methods of weed control such as goat grazing, see Goats in the City, hot and wet steam applications, biological controls such as insects, see noxious weeds, and timed mowing and hand pulling.
In other open space, restoration is unlikely since the area has changed drastically from what it once was. With these sites, we try to reestablish ecological processes by naturalizing the landscape with appropriate design and plants. Bowmar Park, Smoky Hill, and Johnson Habitat are three examples that are in process of change.
Restoration and naturalizing require vision - not only of what an area once was, but also of what it can become. These are not quick fixes - they require time. With patience and careful observation, one can experience the miracles of nature and how the landscape seeks harmony and equilibrium.
Natural Areas within Parks and Recreation consists of approximately 3000 acres Our approaches to restoration include:
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Cultural methods such as controlled watering, tilling, among others
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Biological controls (create hyperlink to noxious weeds)
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Mechanical methods such as foam and dry/wet steam, hand weeding, mowing
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Chemicals (timed effectively using the least toxic product)
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Grazing with goats/sheep
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Lots of hard work by staff, volunteer groups and interns
1. Babi Yar in 1999 with few plant species
2. Using goats to remove noxious and unwanted plants
3. Babi Yar four years later--Numerous native wildflowers and grasses four years later