Cherry Creek Ecological Park

Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park is a 75-acre open space property located in Centennial, Colorado. The park serves as a natural haven, offering both educational opportunities and recreational activities centered around ecological preservation and appreciation.

The park features a diverse landscape, including a riparian habitat along Cherry Creek, which runs through the middle of the property. This 5,100-foot reach of Cherry Creek provides storm conveyance, wildlife habitat, and water quality benefits. The area has undergone restoration efforts to combat the effects of urbanization, which had led to stream erosion and loss of vegetation.

Visitors to Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park can explore a network of well-maintained trails that wind through various ecosystems. These paths include paved routes, natural surface trails, and boardwalks designed to protect sensitive habitats. The trail system connects to the larger Cherry Creek Regional Trail, allowing for extended hikes or bike rides.

The park offers numerous educational features, including interpretive signage that explains the local ecosystem and wildlife. An outdoor classroom area and a covered gazebo provide spaces for organized nature education programs and self-guided learning experiences.

For those interested in observing local flora and fauna, the park provides ample opportunities. The restored stream corridor and expanded riparian areas create habitats that attract a variety of wildlife, making it an excellent spot for bird watching and nature photography.

Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park also incorporates sustainable design elements. The stream reclamation project included the creation of grade control structures to stabilize the actively eroding channel, bioengineered bank protection, and the establishment of secondary channels to enhance flood capacity and expand the riparian corridor.