News

On Northwest Parkway, a new habitat for pollinators is taking root

Operations
12 February 2026

On the Northwest Parkway in Colorado, we are turning a simple idea into something tangible: transforming a one-mile stretch of highway corridor into a native habitat for pollinators. The project is being developed with Butterfly Pavilion, a Denver-based nonprofit working on invertebrate research and conservation. Together, we are creating a corridor that will bring back flowers, plants and, over time, more pollinators along the roadside.

 

 

What is being done on the ground

The work focuses on planting species that are already part of the local ecosystem and useful to pollinators. This will make the section of roadside more supportive for them and help connect nearby natural areas. Surveys are underway this spring to assess the site and define the planting strategy. Seeding is planned for the fall, with the first results expected from next year. Teams are also being prepared to manage and maintain the corridor over time, so that it can develop properly in the coming seasons.

The Butterfly Pavilion is closely involved in the project. Their teams contribute their knowledge of pollinators and will monitor how the corridor evolves once it is in place. This collaboration makes it possible to anchor the project in the local context and to build on existing expertise.

The initiative has already attracted local media attention and has even been featured in a TV report on Denver 7. 

A program taking root beyond borders

This project on Northwest Parkway is part of our global Wild Meadows programme, which focuses on restoring biodiversity along our road networks. First implemented in Slovakia on Via Pribina and further developed in the Czech Republic on Via Salis, the programme is now expanding to the United States. It is also being deployed on Ohio River Bridges, adapting the same approach to different local ecosystems.

 

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