Denver Urban Gardens (DUG) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building and supporting community gardens throughout the Denver metro area. Since its founding in 1985, DUG has helped establish and manage over 190 gardens, transforming underutilized urban spaces into vibrant centers of community engagement, food access, and environmental education. Key Features of DUG’s Work: - Community Gardens DUG empowers neighborhoods to develop shared garden spaces where people of all ages and backgrounds can grow food, connect with nature, and build relationships with one another. - Food Justice & Access Many gardens are located in low-income neighborhoods or food deserts, providing residents with affordable, healthy produce and promoting self-reliance through urban agriculture. - Youth & Education Programs Through school gardens and curriculum support, DUG promotes garden-based learning, sustainability, and environmental stewardship for children and teens. - Garden Leadership & Equity Focus DUG trains local leaders to manage and maintain garden sites, fostering equity, representation, and resilience within communities. - Sustainable Practices The gardens promote organic growing techniques, composting, water conservation, and pollinator support, reinforcing DUG's commitment to ecological health. Why It Matters Denver Urban Gardens is more than a gardening initiative—it's a placemaking force that cultivates community, food security, environmental awareness, and urban wellness. Each garden serves as a hub for connection, empowerment, and growth—both personal and collective.

Calle Montera is a bustling and historically significant street located in the heart of Madrid, Spain. It serves as a vital artery connecting various prominent neighborhoods within the city. This vibrant thoroughfare is known for its diverse blend of commercial establishments, cultural landmarks, and a rich tapestry of Madrid's contemporary urban life. Calle Montera, with its intriguing history and vibrant present, stands as a testament to the dynamic character of the Spanish capital. Originating from the iconic Puerta del Sol, one of the central squares in Madrid, Calle Montera extends northward, intersecting with other notable streets and avenues, including Gran Via. Its strategic location and accessibility have contributed to its status as a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. With its wide pavements, bustling cafes, and a variety of retail outlets, Calle Montera embodies the energetic pulse of the city. Calle Montera's history dates back centuries, and the street has witnessed various transformations and developments over time. Initially known for its residential buildings and local businesses, the street gradually evolved to accommodate the changing needs and trends of the city. The architectural diversity along the street reflects the different periods of Madrid's growth and development, showcasing a mix of classic and contemporary styles that contribute to the area's unique charm. The street's name, "Montera," is believed to have originated from the term "montero," which refers to the traditional hat worn by hunters. This name might have historical significance, perhaps alluding to the street's past as a gathering place for hunters or as a reference to the hats sold in the area. While its etymology remains somewhat shrouded in mystery, the name Montera has become synonymous with the lively spirit and cultural richness of the street itself. Calle Montera has long been recognized for its vibrant commercial scene, housing an array of shops, boutiques, and department stores that cater to a diverse clientele. From high-end fashion outlets to local artisanal shops, the street offers a variety of shopping experiences, making it a favorite destination for fashion enthusiasts and avid shoppers. The presence of renowned international brands alongside traditional Spanish retailers adds to the street's cosmopolitan ambiance, reflecting Madrid's status as a global fashion and retail hub. Beyond its commercial significance, Calle Montera is also known for its cultural landmarks and attractions that contribute to the street's overall allure. The presence of historic buildings, art galleries, and theaters further enriches the cultural fabric of the area, making it a hub for art enthusiasts and history aficionados. The street's cultural offerings provide a glimpse into Madrid's artistic heritage and contribute to the city's reputation as a thriving cultural center in Europe. Calle Montera's vibrant atmosphere extends into its culinary scene, with numerous restaurants, cafes, and eateries offering a diverse selection of local and international cuisine. From traditional Spanish tapas bars serving authentic regional dishes to contemporary eateries showcasing innovative culinary creations, the street caters to a broad spectrum of gastronomic preferences, making it an ideal destination for food enthusiasts and connoisseurs. In addition to its commercial and cultural significance, Calle Montera has gained notoriety for its vibrant nightlife scene, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues lining the street and its surrounding areas. The energetic nightlife attracts both locals and tourists, offering a diverse range of social experiences that contribute to Madrid's reputation as a city that never sleeps. The lively ambiance and the eclectic mix of entertainment options along Calle Montera make it a popular destination for those seeking an unforgettable night out in the Spanish capital. However, it is important to note that Calle Montera has also been associated with a history of street solicitation and the presence of individuals offering certain services, which has at times garnered attention and raised concerns within the community. This aspect of the street's identity has sparked discussions about urban planning, social dynamics, and community well-being, leading to various initiatives aimed at addressing these issues and fostering a safer and more inclusive environment for all residents and visitors. Efforts to promote a more welcoming and secure atmosphere along Calle Montera have been undertaken through collaboration between local authorities, community organizations, and law enforcement agencies. Initiatives focused on enhancing public safety, encouraging responsible tourism, and fostering a supportive environment for local businesses and residents have helped to shape the ongoing transformation of the street. These initiatives reflect Madrid's commitment to creating a vibrant and inclusive urban environment that prioritizes the well-being and satisfaction of all those who visit and reside in the city. Calle Montera continues to evolve, embracing its rich history while embracing contemporary developments and innovations that reflect the changing needs and aspirations of a dynamic and cosmopolitan city. Its enduring significance as a cultural, commercial, and social hub underscores its integral role in the fabric of Madrid's urban landscape, making it a must-visit destination for those eager to experience the vibrant spirit of the Spanish capital.

The Place des Émeutes-de-Stonewall is a public square in Paris, France. For the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, the City of Paris named a square to pay homage to the riots. The new square was inaugurated by French officials on 19 June, with Stuart Milk and several Stonewall Inn activists

The Rio Grande ARTway is a community-driven placemaking project that transforms a section of the Rio Grande Trail in Carbondale into a vibrant, art-filled public space. Designed to celebrate local culture, foster creativity, and support community wellness, the ARTway blends public art, gardens, and gathering spaces along a beloved pedestrian and bike route. Key Placemaking Features - Public Art Installations Murals, sculptures, and interactive artworks created by local artists and youth line the trail, turning the corridor into an open-air gallery that reflects Carbondale’s creative spirit. - Diversity Garden & Community Spaces The project includes features like the Diversity Garden, which celebrates cultural inclusivity and biodiversity, and provides areas for community gathering, relaxation, and storytelling. - Pedestrian & Cyclist Engagement Located along a well-used section of the Rio Grande Trail, the ARTway encourages active transportation, offering a safe and beautiful route for walkers and bikers to enjoy. - Collaborative Community Effort Spearheaded by Carbondale Arts, the project involved local schools, nonprofits, artists, and residents, making it a model for inclusive, grassroots placemaking. - Environmental Integration The ARTway incorporates native landscaping, gardens, and eco-conscious design, aligning with Carbondale’s values of sustainability and natural beauty.

Pegasus Garden emerged from a community-driven initiative to reclaim a vacant lot, previously a site of illegal activities, and transform it into a vibrant communal space. Spearheaded by local resident Jennifer Grau, the project aimed to signal a connected, vibrant, and caring community. The garden features: A free book library, a tool shed for communal use raised garden beds, accessible to individuals in wheelchairs, spaces for campfires, potlucks, neighborhood meetings, youth activities, and free community concerts

The museum, designed by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, exhibits contemporary art with a primary focus on ecology. It follows Hundertwasser's ideas of ecology and sustainability. Hundertwasser said that the museum is “a stronghold against the false order of the straight line, a bastion against the grid system and the chaos of nonsense” (Kunsthauswien). He wanted to create something that did not follow a rigid structure because he believed that art should not be governed by imposed order. He felt that order should not dictate an artist's ideas. References: Kunsthauswien: https://www.kunsthauswien.com/en/ https://www.kunsthauswien.com/en/about-us/kunst-haus-wien/history-architecture/ https://www.kunsthauswien.com/en/about-us/kunst-haus-wien/ Images: https://www.wien.info/en/art-culture/museums-exhibitions/top-museums/kunsthauswien-350408 https://hundertwasser.com/en/architecture/913_arch68_kunsthauswien_793

Lined with North African small stores and graffiti-covered walls, this neighborhood defies any conventional expectations you might have about France. Its defining feature is La Friche Belle de Mai, an arts center built inside a former tobacco factory. At first glance, it looks like a colorful skatepark—but if you venture further, you’ll find a cafe and bookstore, art exhibitions, and a local market. Nearby, there’s also a one-screen theater, Cinema Le Gyptis. It may be initially hard to identify, but it’s impossible to miss, because it’s covered in black-and-white portraits. They were created by a street artist, JR, who installed a photo booth to capture images of local residents, and then pasted the photographs onto the theatre facade. This large-format street pasting is just one of many pieces that JR created for his “Inside Out” project, a TED-funded initiative that transforms messages of personal identity into works of art.

The city of Madrid dug 43 kilometers of tunnels into which the exit routes and motorways of the six-kilometer section along the River Manzanares disappeared. The master plan for the reclaimed riverbanks and the new urban area of Madrid RIO was designed and created by Burgos & Garrido, Porras La Casta, Rubio & A-Sala and West 8. Development plans were then prepared for the individual components: Salón de Pinos, Avenida de Portugal, Huerta de la Partida, Jardines del Puente de Segovia, Jardines del Puente de Toledo, Jardines de la Virgen del Puerto and Arganzuela Park. The most important of which include: the Salón de Pinos, designed as a linear green space, which links the existing and newly designed urban spaces with each other along the Manzanares River. Salón de Pinos is located almost entirely on top of the motorway tunnel and features a “choreography” of 8.000-fold pine trees and a repertoire of cuts. Avenida de Portugal, by relocating one of the most important roads into the center of Madrid underground and providing underground parking for 1,000 vehicles, it was possible to convert the space into a garden to benefit local residents. Embellished with Cherry trees and cherry motif, the result is the creation of an extremely popular public space. Huerta de la Partida, the old Royal Palace is now a modern interpretation of the original royal orchard and a wide variety of fruit trees in planted in groups to create an enclosed garden. For the Arganzuela Park, the dominant motive is the water. The canalized river Manzanares is surrounded by architectonical walls. The system of streams running through the park will cross through the topography and merge into the different spaces and motifs. Puentes Cascara, serving as bridges and iconic landmarks, Puentes Cascara creates a place where the river is really experienced. Designed as a massive concrete dome with a rough texture, the bridges feature more than one hundred cables resembling whale baleens, which are fixed to the slim steel deck. The fine detailing becomes visible when entering the bridge. The ceilings are covered in a beautiful mosaic artwork done by Spanish artist Daniel Canogar. The first part of the project was completed in spring 2007 and in spring 2011 the entire project was completed. Arganzuela Park and the Salon de Pinos are connected by two slow traffic bridges, the Cascara Bridges.

The Chueca quarter is the epicenter of gay Madrid and a symbol of modernity, avant-garde and open-minded tolerance. Its streets are a great place for anyone looking for fun, fashion and lots of atmosphere. The Chueca quarter is in the centre of the city of Madrid, and its main hubs are the Plaza de Chueca square and the streets of Fuencarral and Hortaleza. In recent years this area has become an outstanding illustration of the freedom and openness of Madrid society and is home to numerous venues which are popular with the LGBT community, alternative fashion centres and a host of opportunities for fun, in an anything-goes atmosphere. This is a neighbourhood where you can enjoy fashion in all kinds of different shops: everything from the most avant-garde designs to top labels, including establishments dedicated to practically all the urban tribes. These streets are also ideal for strolling with friends by night, as there are a large number of clubs where you can either enjoy a quiet drink or dance until dawn. In addition you'll find numerous gastronomic options with designer eateries and traditional restaurants, and others serving international cuisine. And all in an atmosphere of tolerance and diversity. Chueca is also the center of the Gay Pride Festival which is held every year between June and July and fills the streets with music, color, high spirits, as well as the thousands of people who flock to the neighborhood intent on having a good time.

The Korean Demilitarized Zone is a strip of land running across the Korean Peninsula near the 38th parallel north. The demilitarized zone (DMZ) is a border barrier that divides the peninsula roughly in half. It was established to serve as a buffer zone between the countries of North Korea and South Korea under the provisions of the Korean Armistice Agreement in 1953, an agreement between North Korea, China, and the United Nations Command. Within the DMZ is a meeting point between the two nations, where negotiations take place: the small Joint Security Area (JSA) near the western end of the zone. Panmunjom was where the 1953 Korean Armistice Agreement that ended the Korean War was signed. The building where the armistice was signed still stands.