Cherry Creek Greenway

Great Ecology provided ecological guidance for the redesign and stabilization of a one-mile reach of Cherry Creek in Denver, CO. The reach from Iliff Avenue to Quebec Street had experienced significant vertical and horizontal movement as the result of increased urbanization and routinely high flows resulting from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maintenance of Cherry Creek Dam upstream from the project site. The substrate in the reach is predominantly sand which further complicates stabilization options.

Great Ecology provided an ecological assessment of the corridor, including collecting soil samples, provided ecological design recommendations, develop seed and plant mixes, soil recommendations based on existing site conditions, and biostabilization and revegetation construction oversight.

The final Cherry Creek Greenway design reconnected the redesigned floodplain with the channel and added water quality stilling basins at stormwater outfalls to further reduce peak flood events and improve water quality by infiltration and plant uptake. It also added new trails and bridge crossings to increase recreational uses of the corridor.

All photos courtesy Stream LA.