Green Valley Ranch joins Denver's sustainability movemement

Green Valley Ranch has been selected by the Denver Department of Environmental Health to participate in the Sustainable Neighborhoods Program.

It's the sixth neighborhood to join the program, which also includes Barnum, Chaffee Park-Regis, North City Park, Villa Park and West Colfax.

Green Valley Ranch's focus will be on water efficiency, increasing recycling, healthy food access, anti-idling and youth. Planned efforts include:
 

• Encouraging the use of rainwater sensors on sprinkler systems to reduced water use
• Promoting recycling by organizing Green Days, an event featuring appliance and electronics recycling and clothing donation
• Hosting gardening workshops and teaching food preservation
• Organizing an anti-idling campaign and educating high school drivers on safety
• Increasing the number of community volunteers for after-school and summer programs

The Sustainable Neighborhoods Program is designed to help neighborhoods increase and strengthen their sustainability efforts. Participating neighborhoods receive in-kind support from the city in the form of outreach materials, printing, venue fees, food and staff time to assist with outreach and project development.

Applications are solicited twice a year from registered neighborhood organizations. Up to two are chosen each round based on their ability to implement a variety of projects tied to the program's five focus areas: air, land, energy, water and people.

Participating neighborhoods earn credits for achieving sustainability goals by completing projects such as offering xeriscaping workshops, holding work days at a local community garden, installing artwork in neighborhood alleys or encouraging neighbors to commit to making their homes more energy efficient. 

Contact Confluence Denver Development News Editor Margaret Jackson with tips and leads for future stories at margaret@confluence-denver.com.