Denver Botanic Gardens is more than just a place to look at pretty plants.

It’s a community pillar, a gathering spot, a natural classroom and a model for renewable energy in action. From the agrivoltaics at Chatfield Farm to the free days when the gardens are open to all, this space is living proof that being good stewards of our planet is a beautiful thing to behold.

Denver Botanic Gardens’ role as a cultural touchstone in Colorado and their continuing commitment to sustainability are a big part of why Xcel Energy is proud to be a longstanding partner. For over two decades, we have seen the value the gardens bring to the community, and we are honored to play a role in helping them thrive.

“There's something for everyone,” said Erin Bird, interim director of marketing at Denver Botanic Gardens. “Whether you're an art person or a plant person or a science nerd, we have got it all.”

Deep community roots

Denver Botanic Gardens began in 1951 as a small group of citizens interested in horticulture and has since grown into one of the most visited botanic gardens in the United States.

Now spanning several sites across more than 725 acres, the botanic gardens include the urban oasis on York Street, a native plant refuge and working farm at Chatfield Farms, the Plains Conservation Center and the alpine hiking trails at Mount Goliath. It’s an expansive reach that helps them serve members of the Colorado community at all stages of life, from toddlers to centenarians.

There are summer camps and field trips, story times and gardening projects to engage with the next generation of plant-lovers. There are plant sales and holiday events and free days, all sponsored in part by Xcel Energy. In partnership with the Parkinson's Foundation, they offer horticulture therapy programs for hands-on sensory plant activities and work alongside the Alzheimer's Society for programs supporting memory care. Visitors from elderly communities and disabled groups engage in organized mindful walks to connect with nature.

“We really try to bring different people here to have really meaningful experiences that are right where they are in their life,” said Bird. “When you observe a hummingbird, or even to see a plant on a walk in a neighborhood or smell a fragrance wafting in the wind — that day-to-day connection might trigger memories or help [you] work through some trauma. I’m proud to work for an organization that is such a safe and welcoming space that can inspire people in so many different ways.”

Saving energy and growing reach

Ensuring that the Denver Botanic Gardens is around for generations is a cultural imperative for Colorado — which is why supporting their sustainability goals is one of the most exciting parts of our partnership.

In addition to helping the organization with upgrades such as installing all LED lighting, we’ve been proud to support their goal of powering their facilities with 100 percent renewable energy. Through renewable energy credits and the development of the Chatfield Farms solar array, Xcel Energy has helped make this goal a reality.

“When we were beginning the planning for the [Chatfield Farms] project, we reached out to the Community Solar Rewards program through Xcel Energy,” said Josie Hart, associate director of Farm Programs for Denver Botanic Gardens. “Xcel Energy accepted our application and green lighted community solar for the city of Denver in general. So now we are one of 20 community solar projects that the Climate Action Office installed and paid for.”

From the 1.2-megawatt solar array, Chatfield Farms will receive approximately 250,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year, which should be sufficient to provide electrical power for all existing and new buildings on the site. The remaining 750,000 kWh per year will provide electricity for 150 Denver Public Schools (DPS) families in need of energy assistance. The energy bill credit program is administered directly by Energy Outreach Colorado to DPS families. To accommodate the new solar power, Xcel Energy also upgraded the existing power line into Chatfield Farms to carry solar electricity to the campus and beyond to the electrical grid.

“This project demonstrates Xcel Energy’s commitment to partnering with our customers and communities,” said Hart. “Xcel Energy has always been super passionate about what we do at the Denver Botanic Gardens, and it’s a long-lasting partnership.”

To cap off this sustainability success story, Chatfield Farms is one of the largest agrivoltaics projects in the country. Employees operate 4.5 acres of active farmland under the solar panels, which can rotate with the sun or against hail and are tall enough for people and farm equipment to pass beneath. The project is estimated to produce more than 30,000 pounds of fresh produce annually, which will be shared with community members in need via local partner organizations and no-cost food grocery programs.

“Giving back and community service is really at the heart of Xcel Energy,” said Bonnie Gross, social investments manager in Colorado. “Showing up and supporting cultural institutions like the Denver Botanic Gardens is so important to the work that we do.”