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.

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

A public green space designed to honor veterans, featuring a commemorative garden, sculpture installations, and quiet seating areas. The garden is designed as a restorative space for both veterans and the public, integrating native plants and sustainable landscaping. Annual events such as Veterans Day gatherings and storytelling circles are hosted at the site.

The historic Evans School in Denver's Golden Triangle has been revitalized into the Schoolyard Beer Garden, a lively community space featuring a café, outdoor seating, and plans for retail and event spaces. This adaptive reuse project breathes new life into a 120-year-old building, fostering neighborhood engagement and preserving historic architecture

Hanazono Shrine was originally founded before the start of the Edo period, about 250 meters south of its present-day location. In the Kan'ei era, the shrine was relocated to the gardens of the Owari-Tokugawa family, in an area that had until then been a prolific flower garden, to make space for the villa of a shogun’s vassal. Before the Meiji period, a branch temple of a Shingon Buddhism sect was enshrined with Hanazono’s Shinto shrine, and the Buddhist chief priest served as the manager of both. During the Meiji Restoration that began in March of 1868, the Buddhist object of worship was abolished from Hanazono, and the religious space returned to only a Shinto shrine. At the time, it was named simply “town Inari shrine” because of a mistake in the submission to the official list of names. It was officially named "Hanazono Shrine" in 1965.

Located in Denver City's River North District, the new 16-story residential tower "merges nature and architecture to inspire a well-balanced life." It features more than 13,000 square feet of open-air spaces inspired by Colorado's landscapes. What makes the glass-clad façade genuinely stand out, though, is a jaw-dropping 10-story rift that allows you to see a trail-like walkway that spans four stories as well as a water feature. For One River North, the firm took influences specifically from the nearby Rocky Mountains, which will be visible from the roof deck that features a pool, spa and garden. “We shared how diverse our geology is, from high alpine lakes and tree line to the eastern plains,” Jeff Stoecklein, senior landscape architect at Davis, said. “All of these plants need to be adaptable to the microclimates the building is creating,” he added. The canyon will be populated with a variety of plant species to mitigate the risk of die-off of any one species and watered via an irrigation system. The canyon includes a trail-like walkway across four floors and a waterfall between the eighth and sixth floors. As the plants mature, “we will witness seasonal change,” Stoecklein said, which will create a dynamic and variable view of the building throughout the year.

Stadtpark, located in the heart of Vienna, Austria, is one of the city’s most beloved and picturesque parks. Established in 1862, it spans over 65,000 square meters, making it a popular urban oasis for locals and tourists alike. The park is known for its beautifully landscaped gardens, tree-lined paths, and serene ponds, offering a peaceful retreat amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. One of the park’s most iconic features is the golden Johann Strauss II statue, a tribute to the famous composer and a popular photo spot. Other notable sculptures include those of Franz Schubert, Franz Lehár, and Anton Bruckner, reflecting Vienna's rich musical heritage. The park is also home to the Kursalon, a historic concert hall where classical music performances regularly take place. Stadtpark is a perfect blend of nature and art, with a variety of plant species, lush lawns, and meticulously maintained flower beds. The Wien River flows gently through the park, adding to its charm. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls, relax on benches, or have a picnic while soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. Whether you're a music lover, a nature enthusiast, or just looking for a peaceful spot to unwind, Stadtpark offers a delightful escape in the heart of Vienna.

For many years, the elephants have to work for the human. Most of them working in the high-density population and traffic area, that make elephants more stress and frightening. To safe the elephant from living with fear, we aimed to bring elephant back to their home in naturally remote area and living there peacefully.

Founded by Darwin based world-renowned crocodile biologist Professor Grahame Webb, Crocodylus Park is Home to hundreds of crocodiles, exotic and native wildlife, a museum, jumping croc cruise and more. To empower humanity to better conserve wildlife, a fundamental perquisite is to value and respect both wildlife and the people who share their daily lives with them. Those best suited to apply stewardship in rural areas. Crocodylus Park is committed to educating the public about wildlife and its many positive values.” Crocodylus Park have been involved in Crocodile research in the Northern Territory and Worldwide. As an employer and supporter of sustainable use in remote locations and the Northern Territory, supporting the livelihoods of rural people are a part of our values.

Yunity Park is a business campus designed to connect people with the community and nature. The park includes an urban forest, outdoor workspaces, and event spaces that encourage social interaction and provide a seamless blend between indoor and outdoor environments. This project exemplifies sustainable placemaking by integrating natural elements into urban design.