In 2023 we:
Mission: The mission of the Conservancy is to preserve, protect and enhance the 71-mile High Line Canal, in partnership with the public.
Vision: The High Line Canal’s 71 meandering miles will be preserved and enhanced as a cherished greenway that connects people to nature and binds varied communities together from the foothills to the plains.
At the Conservancy, we prioritize equity and inclusion across our work. We’re working to promote active living, enhance the natural environment, and improve Canal infrastructure, ensuring that everyone in our region, considering factors such as race, ethnicity, economics, age, geography, ability, and sexual orientation, has access to a safe and inviting outdoor space. Amidst rapid development and population growth, the Canal presents an opportunity to expand nature access, enhance recreational options, and foster climate resilience for generations of Coloradans.
New Committee: The Northeast Advisory Committee brings together committed individuals with diverse identities, backgrounds and connections to the Canal. As the Conservancy and our partners implement priority improvement projects in Denver and Aurora, this committee engages and empowers community members and local partners to scale the impact of trail improvements!
Thanks to funding from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), the Conservancy is able to offer financial compensation for the hard work and time committed by Committee members.
NE Committee Member Adolfo Romero shares this thoughts on the importance of the Canal as a community trail and free open space.
1.1
million $ invested in Canal operations & maintenance
3
new underpasses funded
12
miles transformed for stormwater management to date
43
new signs installed
150
new trees planted
2
crossing improvements completed
1,172
volunteers engaged
42
volunteer leaders
69
conservancy events & programs
1,391
youth engaged
1,455
program participants
880
signature event participants
18
community science, educational & recreational programs
622
cubic yards of brush removed
15,704
pounds of trash removed
1,101
Canal Conservation Corps members
141.7
cumulative miles stewarded
20
trained Corps Leaders
3.8
miles cleared of invasive Russian olives
We hosted a variety of free programs across all 71 miles of the Canal to engage with the community. These included community walks, nature play with kids, a community hosted movie night and a return of the grr-eat Dogs + Donuts. Canal enthusiasts of all ages, abilities and locations came together to enjoy the Canal. Here are a few highlights of the different types of programs we offered in 2023:
The Canal is a living part of Colorado history. In June the Conservancy co-hosted a community walk with Aurora History Museum to explore the DeLaney Homestead Historic District and learn about the intersecting histories of the High Line Canal, DeLaney Farm, and Tollgate Creek.
The Conservancy joined in several global birding holidays in 2023 including Global Big Day in May. These are community science initiatives that encourage birders of all skills to get outside and count birds for bird conservation research. On Global Big Day we hosted four walks along different stretches of the Canal and documented 50 species of birds.
In 2023 we partnered with National Wildlife Federation’s Early Childhood Health Outdoors (ECHO), City of Aurora Naturalists and Sand Creek Regional Greenway Partnership for Nature Play Days! The goals of these are to learn, play, explore and interact with nature. These family-friendly events help instill a love for the outdoors at young ages.
High Liners are those who complete all 71 miles of the High Line Canal trail. This year we had 27 people join the ranks of the High Liners. One group who joined was a group of GirlTrek walkers who completed the sections with Friday group walks going from Mile 71 to Mile 1. It was a great time for them to connect with one another and the trail.
18
Programs
13
Supporting Volunteers
283
Program Participants
8
Partners Engaged
On the summer solstice, the Conservancy hosted the first-ever High Line Canal Summer Scamper 5K for All, presented by the Friedman Family Foundation. This event saw:
500
participants
$50K
raised
10
partners
Save the date: Summer Scamper 2024 is coming your way on Wednesday, June 26
Dine for the High Line 2023 was an evening of profound impact and celebration. Community members, sponsors, jurisdictional leaders and devoted Canal supporters were a testament to the Canal’s enduring legacy and promising future. The event honored emeritus Board member Mike Rosser for his dedication to the Conservancy with the 2023 High Line Hero award. We are fortunate to have such dedicated Canal supporters who help us preserve, protect and enhance this unique natural resource. Coming together as a community at Dine for the High Line, we were able to:
The Canal Collaborative is a structure that formalizes collaboration between thirteen partners to preserve and enhance the Canal. The Conservancy serves as the backbone organization providing facilitation, communications and coordination of the partners to enhance collaboration and advance implementation of The Plan for the High Line Canal.
Our deep appreciation goes to Jim Lochhead and Shannon Carter for years of dedication to the High Line Canal.
CEO and Manager of Denver Water, Jim Lochhead, retired after 12 years of dedicated service to the community and organization. Jim was a visionary in transitioning the Canal from its original purpose as a water delivery system to its primary function as a recreational corridor with renewed utility use as a green stormwater management system. We welcomed Jim to our Board of Directors in the fall of 2023 and are excited to continue working with him.
Collaborative members have been hard at work maintaining and enhancing the trail. Here are a few highlights of what we saw in 2023:
Mile 2
Activation Projects & Amenities
The Conservancy, in partnership with Douglas County, collaborated with the community to design enhancements to the small, informal trailhead at Waterton Road and the High Line Canal.
Mile 18.5
Activation Projects & Amenities
South Suburban Park and Recreation District updated the restrooms and picnic shelter at Writers Vista Park, an important trailhead and access point for the High Line Canal. The work is complete; however, the opening of the restroom is delayed due to a previously unknown sewer line break which is scheduled to be repaired in the spring of 2024. The project was completed with matching funds from Arapahoe County
Open Spaces and the City of Littleton.
Mile 22-30
Ecological Health & Natral Resource Management
Southeast Metro Stormwater Authority’s (SEMSWA) ecology team is studying the Canal to better understand how the corridor’s physical characteristics and natural resources interplay with the Canal’s stormwater function. This study will help guide management of the corridor by identifying opportunities for restoration and improved functionality.
Mile 23
Ecological Health & Natural Resource Management
The City of Littleton, in partnership with Mile High Flood District, implemented a new stormwater project on the Canal along Broadway. This project has converted an additional half mile of the Canal to green stormwater infrastructure.
Mile 26.5-33
Ecological Health & Natural Resource Management
The City of Greenwood Village has continued its efforts to reinvigorate the tree canopy and enhance the Canal’s ecological health by planting 50 new trees on the Canal in 2023. This planting project builds on the 100 trees planted by Greenwood Village in 2021-2022.
Mile 39.25
Access, Connectivity & Safety Improvement
The City and County of Denver, in partnership with Arapahoe County, are constructing a new underpass for the High Line Canal beneath Yale Avenue in southeast Denver. This project addresses the need for improved multimodal connections, reducing congestion, and updating outdated traffic signal infrastructure at the E Yale Avenue/S Holly Street intersection. The underpass represents a crucial step in enhancing the safety and convenience of trail users.
Mile 57-64
Activation Projects & Amenities
The Conservancy, in partnership with Aurora Parks, Recreation and Open Space, launched a community-centered design process for Aurora in the north Aurora Neighborhoods of Laredo Highline, Norfolk Glen, Friendly Village, Kirkegaard Acres and Tower Triangle.
Mile 65-71
Activation Projects & Amenities
The Conservancy launched a community-centered design process for the improvement of the High Line Canal trail in Green Valley Ranch, in partnership with Denver Parks and Recreation. We came up with a preferred plan in 2023.
Mile 13.5
Access, Connectivity & Safety Improvement
Douglas County and Highlands Ranch Metro District are working to widen US 85 (Santa Fe Drive) from Highlands Ranch Parkway to C-470. The project includes the construction of an underpass for the High Line Canal trail at US 85.
Mile 20.5
Access, Connectivity & Safety Improvement
South Suburban Park and Recreation District, in partnership with Arapahoe County and the Conservancy, is replacing the Elati Street pedestrian bridge. The completed project will feature a wider bridge with a smoother ramp to improve cyclist and pedestrian movements and safety. There will also be new site amenities including a bench, landscape boulders and birdhouses.
Mile 22.5
Access, Connectivity & Safety Improvement
Arapahoe County secured funding to improve safety at the Canal trail crossing at Broadway & Arapahoe Road by designing an underpass.
Mile 26.5
Access, Connectivity & Safety Improvement
The City of Greenwood Village and the City of Centennial have completed safety improvements to the Canal’s crossing at Orchard Road west of University Boulevard. This project widened the sidewalk on either side of Orchard Road to increase pedestrian visibility and shorten the crossing distance for trail users.
Mile 33-37
Ecological Health & Natural Resource Management
The City of Cherry Hills Village analyzed the feasibility of using the Canal within the Village for stormwater management. By prioritizing channel improvements and detailing construction and maintenance costs, the study provides a deeper understanding of how the Canal could function as green stormwater infrastructure in the Village.
Mile 43.25
Access, Connectivity & Safety Improvement
Arapahoe County, in partnership with the City and County of Denver, initiated designs for an at-grade pedestrian signal to improve the safety of crossing Quebec street on the Canal.
Mile 62-65
Activation Projects & Amenities
The City of Aurora continues to close the largest trail gap on the Canal by constructing 3 miles of trail and an overpass over I-70. This project will connect the Canal from Colfax all the way to the Green Valley Ranch neighborhood of northeast Denver.
Denver Water is working to care for the Canal canopy through targeted removals and prunes, with a focus on maintaining a safe environment for trail users.
The Conservancy and our partners are implementing critical projects across all 71 miles as recommended by the community-informed Plan for the High Line Canal (The Plan). Community input is more important than ever because Canal users know the trail best and can help inform what improvements are needed. Among the 100+ projects recommended in The Plan, approximately 10 locations along the Canal were identified as Canal Improvement Zones (CIZs) – where community-driven enhancements can increase the safety, use and enjoyment of the Canal. In 2023, we worked with the community to establish designs for preferred plans in three areas.
The Conservancy is working with Douglas County to enhance the small, informal trailhead at Waterton Road and the High Line Canal. Through public outreach walks, surveys, meetings and more we learned that the community wants improved accessibility at the trailhead as well as opportunities to learn about the Canal’s origin at pause places along the trail. We took what the community said and created a preferred plan.
Future preview: In 2025 we’ll break ground on trailhead improvements!
The Conservancy, in partnership with Aurora Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces, launched a community-centered design process for Aurora in the north Aurora Neighborhoods of Laredo Highline, Norfolk Glen, Friendly Village, Kirkegaard Acres and Tower Triangle. Check out our work with community members and trail users to enhance the trail along the Colfax corridor. In 2023 we received community input and based on that input, circulated a preferred plan for further input.
Future preview: In 2025 we’ll begin implementing trail improvements
The Conservancy launched a community-centered design process for the improvement of the High Line Canal trail in Green Valley Ranch, in partnership with Denver Parks and Recreation. In 2023 we worked to get community input about possible improvements and then established a preferred plan based on that feedback.
Future preview: In 2025 we’ll begin implementing trail improvements
Partner Spotlight: In 2023 we formed a new partnership with The Greenway Foundation’s GLO Youth Ambassadors. They helped with outreach, specifically engagement of underrepresented youth in Green Valley Ranch!
The Conservancy stewardship programs are powered by the Canal Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC is made up of trained youth and adult Corps Leaders as well as individual and group volunteers. In volunteering for a stewardship event you automatically become part of the CCC. The goal of the CCC is to harness the commitment of community members from across the region, enabling and inspiring the community to work together to enhance the Canal’s ecological health and future vitality.
Hear from members of the CCC as they join in the Annual Aurora Cleanup!
27
Events
622
Cubic Yards Of Brush
15,704
Pounds Of Trash
698
Pounds Of Weeds
34
Corps Leaders
Independent cleanups give community members the ability to learn about the importance of environmental stewardship and actively participate in enhancing the ecological health of the Canal on their own time! In 2023 we set an ambitious goal to increase the number of independent cleanups to 20. Canal supporters stepped up and we blew the goal out of the water with 68 independent cleanups in 2023!
68
Cleanups
5,603
Pounds Of Trash
123.2
Miles Cleaned
Thanks to funding from GOCO we again partnered with Mile High Youth Corps (MHYC) to remove invasive Russian olive from the Canal.
**Funds for this project were awarded by Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), which receives a portion of Colorado Lottery proceeds, to the Colorado Youth Corps Association for use by accredited conservation service corps. The goal of the program is to employ crews throughout the state on critical outdoor recreation and land conservation projects in partnership with local governments and open space agencies.
In addition to independent cleanups and partner support the Conservancy hosts many stewardship events to support the Canal. These include:
Brush removals to reduce fire and flood risk.
Highlights from 2023 include:
9
Brush Removals
622
Cubic Yards Removed
4.6
Miles Cleared
The 2023 Brush Removal programs were supported by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund.
Trash removals to improve habitat and waterways.
Highlights from 2023 include:
13
Trash Removals
10,101
Pounds Of Trash
11.5
Miles Cleaned
Weed removals to mitigate invasive weeds and promote native vegetation. In 2023 we gathered to remove goat heads, common teasel, curly dock and thistle:
3
Weed Removals*
698
Pounds Of Weeds
3.15
Miles Cleared
*Weeds were removed at programs throughout the year, not only the three official weed removals.
In 2023 we piloted a new training to teach Corps Leader volunteers to identify invasive weeds and remove their seeds when opportunistically encountered at all types of Conservancy stewardship programs.
We love our Volunteers and Ambassadors!
Total Volunteers
Volunteer Leaders
The Conservancy’s Canal Conservation Corps partnered with Denver Parks and Recreation to plant over 170 native prairie plants along the trail shoulder between Marrama Park and the Canal trail in Green Valley Ranch. This restoration project increased the biodiversity of the Canal corridor in Green Valley Ranch by planting a variety of native grasses, forbs and shrubs in the rye-dominated trail shoulder.
Spirit Of The Sun: We consulted with Spirit of the Sun – an Indigenous-led nonprofit working to empower Native communities through farming, education and rematriation – to ensure the planting palette prioritized ethnobotanical species of cultural significance, such as Western Sand Cherry, Three-leaf Sumac, Indian Ricegrass, and Yarrow.
The Conservancy continued our work to enhance the Canal’s ecological health. In fall 2023 we planted 100 drought tolerant trees on the Canal in Centennial. These hardy trees will help increase the diversity and resilience of the Canal’s canopy for years to come. This project was made possible through funding from the City of Centennial and private donations, and could not have succeeded without the hard work of the CCC!
We are so grateful for the financial support of our donors!
These are the amazing donors who have supported Greath Lengths for the High Line, raising over $33 million to leverage public funding for 30 projects along the Canal. This list reflects those who have supported through May 2024.
Thank you to our donors!
Revenue – $7,157,500
Expenses – $2,504,102
Cash for Operations
Project Restricted Cash & Investments
Pledges Receivable
Other Assets
$891,821
$8,022,303
$4,387,869
$208,331
Total Assets
$13,510,324
Liabilities
Net Assets With Donor Restrictions
Net Assets Without Donor Restrictions
$148,337
$12,264,083
$1,097,904
Total Liabilities & Net Assets
$13,510,324
Chief Executive OfficerHarriet is passionate about access to natural open spaces, history and people. After working in public policy in both DC and Colorado, she served as a city councilwoman and directed a small land preserve. Inspired by daily walks on the High Line Canal, Harriet co-founded the High Line Canal Conservancy with the mission to preserve, protect and enhance the 71-mile High Line Canal.
Under her leadership, the old irrigation channel is undergoing a legacy conversion from a historic irrigation channel to a 71-mile open space trail and green stormwater infrastructure system for the region. Harriet is the visionary driver behind this public-private partnership, guiding the regional planning effort, programming, and collaborative governance structure, all while raising private funding and inspiring public commitments.
The organization has successfully engaged thousands of residents, received national planning awards and secured endorsement from all 14 local jurisdictions for The Plan for the High Line Canal. This inspiring framework includes over $130M in improvements.
Raised in Anchorage, Alaska, Harriet has degrees from Colorado College and Harvard Graduate School of Education. She and her husband Mike have three terrific children, who, along with their parents, actively enjoy everything outdoors.
Chief Operating OfficerTracy is a proven professional and talented manager with leadership in local and regional community planning, natural resource protection and inclusive community engagement. She comes to the Conservancy after serving as the Planning, Design and Construction Manager for Aurora Parks, Recreation and Open Space. Tracy will be integral to support the nonprofit’s expanding role to improve and protect the 71-mile High Line Canal.
Chief Financial OfficerAmy has an extensive background in nonprofit management, with a focus on finance, accounting, and project management. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of New Mexico and an MBA from St. Edward’s University in Austin, TX. She began her career in community development as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Uzbekistan and has since volunteered and held financial leadership roles in nonprofit organizations, such as the Access Fund, the Denver Art Museum, and the Denver Public Library Foundation. She’s excited to combine her passion for conservation and financial expertise to her role at the High Line Canal Conservancy. Amy’s love for hiking has taken her on adventures throughout many national and state parks including a through hike of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. In addition to hiking, Amy enjoys spending time with her family traveling, listening to live music and volunteering.
Senior Director of Programs & PartnershipsWith a background in architecture, design and marketing communications, Suzanna’s keen aesthetic eye for details plays a pivotal role in shaping the vision of the High Line Canal Conservancy. Born and raised in Washington D.C., she earned a B.A. from Duke University. Her architectural education led her to work in the resort, hotel and open space industries in San Francisco, Brazil and now, Denver. As Senior Director of Programs and Partnerships at the High Line Canal Conservancy, Suzanna is able to combine her dedication to enhancing urban environments while providing leadership to achieve the community vision for the transformation and enhancement of the 71-mile greenway. Suzanna loves exploring Colorado’s outdoors (including the Canal!) with her husband, two kids and pup.
Director of DevelopmentBorn in Denver, Lindsay grew up riding her bike and training for cross country on the High Line Canal. Passionate about the arts and environmental design, she received her B.A. from the University of Colorado and her M.A. from the Université Paris-Sorbonne. Having returned to Denver after three years abroad, Lindsay is inspired by the community’s passion for the High Line Canal and excited to continue to connect with others from the region as the Director of Development at the High Line Canal Conservancy. When she’s not thinking about the Canal, she enjoys traveling, writing and fly fishing.
Director of Planning & ImplementationJosh is an urban planner with a passion for conservation, equity and improving the quality of life in the Denver Metro Area. He brings a diverse background in planning, community organizing and nonprofit management to the Conservancy. Josh started with the Conservancy working part-time on public engagement and program development and he has spent hundreds of hours on the Canal engaging community members and partner organizations. Born in Boston, MA and raised outside of Burlington, VT, Josh received a dual undergraduate degree in Political Science and Political Communication from The George Washington University and a Masters of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Colorado Denver. As Director of Planning and Implementation, Josh uses his boundless energy to collaborate with our jurisdictional partners along the Canal and ensure The Plan for the High Line Canal becomes a reality.
Natural Resources ManagerGrowing up, Denver’s wonderful parks and greenways fostered Julia’s connection to the outdoors. After earning a degree in Environmental Biology from Pomona College, she began her career conducting ecological research and natural resource management on public lands throughout the Front Range. Her time spent in the field found her continually inspired by the resiliency of the natural world and amazed by the diversity of life thriving in every landscape. Driven by a passion for stewardship and conservation, Julia is excited to help the Conservancy protect and restore the unique resources that the High Line Canal brings to our urban environment.
Administrative CoordinatorEdith is a first-generation Latina committed to inspiring and encouraging other Latinas. She was born in Alamogordo, New Mexico and raised in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. She moved to Denver at age eight and continued her education here, attending the Community College of Denver and graduating with her Associate Degree in Business Computer Technology. Edith has also obtained several professional development certifications. She reads, writes and speaks Spanish fluently and has an extensive background in administrative support. She is excited to be a part of an organization that focuses on bettering our environment and works with our diverse communities to positively impact their daily experiences.
Development & Donor Relations AssociateA Colorado transplant born and raised in Connecticut, Emma has always had a love for the natural world, fueled by her annual family camping trips to a multitude of national parks. She moved west to attend the University of Colorado Boulder, where she received undergraduate degrees in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Film Production. Emma discovered her passion for conservation and community-building while working at the San Juan Preservation Trust in the San Juan Islands of Washington state. She began at the High Line Canal Conservancy in May 2022 as the Programs and Events Intern and is now excited to be exploring her strengths in development and fundraising. In her free time, you can find Emma concert-going, crafting, or creating films with her vintage Super 8 camera.
BookkeeperBorn and raised in Buffalo, NY and Fort Erie, Ontario, Elisabeth has now lived in Denver longer than anywhere else, so considers herself a Coloradan. She received her B.A. in Mathematics and Economics from Boston University that led to a career in Employee Benefits Account Management in the Massachusetts, California and Colorado markets. Putting career on hold to raise her family, Elisabeth continued to volunteer in a treasurer capacity for various schools and organizations for many years. She is excited to handle the bookkeeping responsibilities for the High Line Canal Conservancy to support their mission to conserve this amazing resource in our community. In her personal time, she enjoys hiking, skiing and exploring our state with friends and family.
Donor Relations & Development ManagerJennifer grew up surrounded by miles of forests and beautiful farmland in the small equestrian town of Colts Neck, NJ. Her appreciation for being out in wide-open natural spaces began to feed her soul and desire to live where nature and its benefits were accessible year-round. After earning her B.S. in Journalism from Ohio University, she worked for several global PR firms, including FleishmanHillard and Weber Shandwick. Her clients were some of the most powerful life science, financial, banking, technology, and consumer products companies worldwide. Upon moving to Colorado 25 years ago, Jennifer continued in public relations as an independent consultant before transitioning into development and leveraging her expertise to secure critical financial support for There With Care and Mackintosh Academy. She is grateful to live on the High Line Canal and to find her way to the Conservancy, where continuing to do the work she loves is more than she could ask for. When not working, Jennifer volunteers for Cycling Without Age Littleton, the Highlands Ranch Mansion and the Ray Barron Strength & Honor Fund. She loves to hike, ski in Steamboat, and listen to live music with her husband and two children.
Programs CoordinatorUpon moving to Colorado, Sam quickly found the Canal a perfect place to run, bike and go birding. Sam is a naturalist, originally from Florida and relocating most recently from Arizona, with a background in volunteerism, environmental education and zoology. She brings over ten years of experience working for conservation organizations, including zoos, museums and wildlife research projects to the Conservancy. Sam received her B.S. from the University of Florida in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation and her M.S. in Ecology and Evolution from the University of South Florida. As the Programs Coordinator for the High Line Canal Conservancy Sam looks forward to providing fun and meaningful program opportunities for community members to explore, care for, and learn about nature. Sam loves exploring Colorado with her two dogs and volunteering with several local wildlife conservation projects outside of work.
Community Engagement & Programs ManagerWith a background in environmental education, Breana is passionate about connecting people to nature. Born and raised in Chicago, IL, she earned a B.S. in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She previously worked with the environmental nonprofit Openlands as the School Planning Coordinator for the program Space to Grow: Greening Chicago Schoolyards. In this role, Breana worked with architects, public water agencies and school communities to reduce urban flooding through green infrastructure, as well as promote outdoor education and community health. She has worked with various nonprofits, including the Appalachian Mountain Club and Food Bank of the Rockies. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, camping, fostering cats and mentoring underserved youth in the outdoors.
*elected official
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501 (c)3 nonprofit organization – EIN #81-4337938
