Denver Parks and Recreation and Colorado State University announced Sept. 17 that they have entered into an intergovernmental agreement with the CSU Salazar Center for North American Conservation to support and advance efforts in climate resilience, habitat and equitable access to green space.

The Salazar Center will work closely with park planners and other City and County of Denver departments to identify, share and advance best practices for applying natural solutions, alongside a health equity lens, to reduce the impacts of global warming on the city’s most vulnerable neighborhoods.

“The CSU Salazar Center for North American Conservation shares in our vision to enhance natural systems to improve community health and support climate resilience,” said Happy Haynes, executive director of Denver Parks and Recreation. “We look forward to our partnership and their assistance in providing the research and technical expertise to improve the long-term health and resilience of Denver’s landscapes and people.”

The announcement was made at the Salazar Center’s second International Symposium on Conservation Impact, held virtually this year. Leaders at the symposium highlighted best-in-class examples of North American cities where leaders have used green space and natural solutions to address climate resilience and support racial equity.

“We commend the City of Denver for their leadership on climate action and look forward to working with them to make Mayor Hancock’s vision of a climate resilient, biophilic and equitable city a reality,” said Colorado State University President Joyce McConnell.

The Salazar Center will engage research faculty from CSU, convene with stakeholders and experts to combine research, partner with city staff, and provide specific recommendations to support and advance the Game Plan for a Healthy City, a commitment to conservation and sustainable practices to support the environmental health of Denver.