High Line Canal Conservancy

We need your help to preserve, protect and enhance the historic 71-mile High Line Canal! 

The Canal is a treasured asset across our region, and it is outliving its historic use as an irrigation channel. Colorado Gives Day donations support the Conservancy's work to reenvision this urban trail as an ecological and recreational asset for future generations.

What We Do:

The mission of the Conservancy is to preserve, protect and enhance the 71-mile High Line Canal, in partnership with the public. To accomplish our mission we:

• Steward the future of the Canal through leadership, education and advocacy
• Engage local communities to protect and preserve the Canal
• Build a strong community that is representative of the diverse people and communities along the Canal
• Establish sustainable partnerships between diverse geographic regions and jurisdictions
• Maintain and revise our ambitious and transformative community vision and plan for the Canal in collaboration with the public
• Champion implementation of The Plan for the High Line Canal

Read the Plan for the High Line Canal

Why We Do It:

Our Canal is one of the nation’s most spectacular linear parks, connecting communities, people and nature. Our vision for the future is a permanently preserved 71-mile linear greenway that:

• Creates Connections: the Canal connects diverse communities and people to each other and nature
• Enhances Recreation: the Canal serves as a recreational spine that stitches together a regional trail system
• Supports Local Economies: the Canal is an urban generator that infuses new life into the economy of surrounding communities
• Improves Environmental Health and Climate Resiliency: the Canal is an ecological asset supporting 71-miles of wildlife and natural environment

Read the Vision for the High Line Canal

Our Impact:

The Conservancy is committed to preserving and enhancing the Canal with projects and programs that improve quality of life and the environment and provide measurable benefits for all people. The Conservancy is working with its partners to:

• Ensure permanent protection of the 71-mile Canal with sustainable funding and enhancements
• Enhance public use of the Canal through improved access, safety and quality of visitor experience
• Improve environmental health for the Canal with region-wide benefits through stormwater management and other ecological enhancements

See Our Impact

Testimonials:

"The High Line Canal surpasses the scale and impact of any similar existing or proposed initiative in the U.S. today. The High Line Canal is Denver's opportunity to create a significant enduring recreation and cultural greenway legacy, which physically connects people, while reflecting a variety of values and the unique characteristics of the individual communities to be experienced along its path - celebrating the rich and diverse physical and social mosaic that we call Denver." Tony Pickett, Urban Land Conservancy, Former High Line Canal Conservancy Board Member

"We need many more opportunities for kids and all people to experience nature.  Research shows the closer the park or open space is, the more likely people are to use it. The High Line Canal is an ideal resource to use as we plan for how to get people into the out of doors. After all it borders multiple neighborhoods stretching 71 miles and encompasses almost a thousand acres.  I would hate to think what we might spend to create such a resource.  With strong commitments and planning our High Line Canal will be a connection to nature that makes a difference for millions of people for years to come." Harriet Crittenden LaMair, High Line Canal Conservancy CEO

"In a vibrant and exciting city, the High Line Canal and its trail provide a natural area where quiet walks and experiences with local wildlife can occur." Peggy Lehmann, High Line Hero

"The High Line Canal is special not only because of its history in the development of early Denver but also because it connects us to that history in a very hands-on way." Tom Waymire, Former High Line Canal Conservancy Board Member

"Across the country, there are examples of abandoned resources rusting, slipping away under heavy overgrowth and being forgotten; until an organization or group of citizens realized the potential, and took action. Our stewardship award recipient didn't wait for opportunity to be forgotten and for neglect to set in. They got ahead of the game to preserve a valued resource and bring vision to its potential." Nancy Sharpe, Former Arapahoe County Commissioner