Jewell Wetlands

Nature Preservation

Aurora, Colorado

Jewell Wetlands in Aurora has been called one of the best examples of a wetlands environment in the metro area. As prime consultant, our team, along with engineers and ecological consultants, worked with the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District (UDFCD) and the City of Aurora to gain consensus with the community to enhance this valuable 50-acre resource.

The sanctuary, located in an urban landscape, is refuge for owls, hawks, and foxes as well as mature cottonwood groves, wetlands, and cattails. Accessible crusher fine trails loop around the site, and boardwalks lead to an observation deck overlooking the extensive wetlands.

Preservation of this area was of great concern to residents, and our goal was to maintain a natural balance in addition to establishing a detention pond, extending the willow groves, widening the channel that blends with the native landscape, and most importantly, fulfilling the visions of the neighborhood, City and UDFCD.

Wayfinding signs and interpretive signage leads visitors through the site offering an education opportunity to raise awareness of how it supports responsible sustainability and land stewardship.

Project Awards

ASLA Colorado - Land Stewardship Award

ASLA Colorado - Design Merit Award