Denver Celebrates Meeting 2025 Tree Planting Goal

Denver Celebrates Meeting 2025 Tree Planting Goal

Published on November 06, 2025

Denver Parks & Recreation (DPR), joined by Mayor Mike Johnston, Councilman Darrell Watson, and the Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency Office (CASR) celebrated the planting of the final tree in a citywide effort to meet the mayor's 2025 climate and resilience goals.

Since the start of the year, DPR's Office of the City Forester has been planting trees across Denver, part of Mayor Johnston's initiative to enhance the city's green infrastructure and prepare for the adverse effects of climate change. The culmination of this effort was marked by the planting of a Tulip tree at Benedict Fountain Park, symbolizing the successful achievement of the goal to plant 4,500 new trees throughout the city.

"Today is about investing in Denver's future as a greener, more resilient city," said Mayor Mike Johnston. "We're proud to have met this ambitious goal and will continue working toward solutions that improve our climate, for this generation and the ones to come."

This initiative is a key component of the 2025 mayoral goals to prepare Denver for a resilient, sustainable future-aiming to plant thousands of trees to improve air quality, provide shade, and promote urban cooling.

In addition to DPR Forestry's routine replacements in parks and parkways throughout the city, many west neighborhood parks received additional trees this year including but not limited to: Barnum East, Barnum north, Garfield Lake, Nettie More, West Bar Val Wood, Westwood, Huston Lake, Paco Sanchez and Weir Gulch. Approximately 150 unique species of trees were planted by forestry staff, with over 2,500 hours provided to get the work done.

"This accomplishment demonstrates what is possible when we work across departments to improve the quality of life for residents. Projects like this are essential as we continue to address the heat island effect in our communities," said DPR Executive Director Jolon Clark. "The trees planted this year will provide long-term benefits-cleaner air, cooling shade, and gathering places all for a more resilient city."

This effort highlights the city's ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action. As Denver continues to grow, these initiatives are vital in creating a more resilient, livable, and sustainable city.

Denver Parks & Recreation
As stewards of a legacy park system, Denver Parks and Recreation (DPR) is dedicated to customer service and enhancing the health of residents and the environment through innovative programs and safe, beautiful, and sustainable places. The DPR system includes 30 recreation centers and over 20,000 acres of urban and mountain parkland including off-street trails, parkways, and natural areas.

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