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October 1, 2019
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Regional Coastal Habitat Restoration Planning
May 29, 2024
Sherman Creek Living Shoreline
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Globeville Landing Park Stream Restoration & Outfall Ecological Design

Denver, CO


Great Ecology served as the ecological consultant on the Merrick & Company team for the design and restoration of the Montclair Creek stormwater outfall as part of the Globeville Landing Park redesign project. The Creek lost most of its ecological function due to decades of impacts from urbanization and had mostly served as a concrete stormwater conveyance system. The Park is located in a dense, urban historically marginalized neighborhood and part of the Vasquez Boulevard and I-70 Superfund Site.
Great Ecology provided ecological and design expertise, as well as construction oversight, on the daylighting of the stormwater system. This included creation of the stream open channel to replace the concrete stormwater system, park integration, and floodplain reconnectivity that restored the ecological function of the Creek within Globeville Landing Park. The open channel features native vegetation and provides natural filtration for stormwater as it meanders through the stream before entering the South Platte River. The revegetation approach within the channel included an innovative strategy that modified soil chemistry to minimize the establishment of invasive weeds and encourage native species growth. The new channel design was based on the ecological functionality of native streams and rivers, and provides the local historically-marginalized community with a valuable natural resource.
The Park is now frequently used by residents of nearby communities as well as those who utilize the South Platte River trail for recreational and commuting purposes.

Old Stream, New Ecological Function

Great Ecology supported the channel design, including construction details and specifications for channel substrate, growth media, and plant community composition. The revegetation approach within the channel included an innovative strategy that modified soil chemistry to minimize the establishment of invasive weeds and encourage native species growth.
The design was ultimately based on the ecological functionality of native streams and rivers while integrating the needs of the local community and NWC.

Design & Oversight Through an Ecological Lens

Great Ecology provided ecological and design expertise, as well as construction oversight, on the creation of the stream open channel, park integration, and floodplain connectivity. Oversight plays a crucial role in restoration projects by ensuring the ecological goals of the project are met.

Awards & More Info

Additional Site Photos & Concepts