On its journey through Metro Denver, the South Platte River has long been granted a greenbelt. In some areas, it is little more than a hike/bike path and a line of trees between lanes of traffic; but, in Littleton, South Platte Park protects a wide swath of ponds, lakes, grasslands and woodlands, offering refuge for native wildlife and a peaceful retreat for human residents.
Nevertheless, "development" has continued to hem in the refuge and a new, large, residential neighborhood will soon encroach on the Park's eastern border. Destroying meadows and crop fields, the project will surely displace a diverse group of wild creatures. Indeed, except for a few large State Parks, open space is rapidly disappearing throughout the Metro Area.
Even if we were not facing climate change and water scarcity, this loss would be deplorable. Biologic diversity is critical to the welfare of our planet and vital to the physical and mental health of humans. Yet, in the name of economic growth, we continue to decimate natural habitat.
