This fall, the city’s Nature-based Solutions (NbS) team joined forces with community members, students, and local organizations. Their goal? To turn a shared passion for nature into real change. Together, they’re transforming neighborhoods, restoring ecosystems, and honoring the pollinators that support life in our city.
One highlight was the Bee Boulder Festival in late September at Civic Park. Over 750 people attended, celebrating pollinators and local biodiversity. With the help of 30 volunteers and 16 community partners, families enjoyed music, dance, and nature-themed performances. The festival served as a lively reminder: every little creature contributes to a bigger picture, and so can we.
Alongside the festival, the team tackled two landscape projects to boost climate resilience and food security in Boulder.
At BCSIS/High Peaks Elementary School, parents, students, and staff replaced traditional grass with pollinator-friendly plants and trees. Supported by the Boulder Valley School District and several local foundations, this project created a vibrant learning space.
At the Tantra Lake Apartments, community members teamed up with Boulder Housing Partners and the Arbor Day Foundation. They turned an empty lot into a thriving food forest and pollinator garden.
Together, these initiatives revitalized nearly 18,500 square feet of land, planting 40 trees and installing 391 perennial plants. The school project alone is expected to save about 26,000 gallons of water each year. That’s a win for both the environment and the community.
By restoring landscapes and creating gardens for pollinators, the NbS team helps Boulder work with nature to combat climate change. These efforts support biodiversity, absorb carbon, and cool neighborhoods, enhancing community resilience.
The city invests in these projects because nature is more than just an identity; it’s key to our future. Recent research highlights that urban greenspaces can significantly improve mental health and community well-being. In a survey by the National Recreation and Park Association, 85% of Americans believe parks improve their quality of life.
To discover more about community-led initiatives making Boulder more resilient, check out Cool Boulder.
