2025/2026 Quincy Farm Pond Habitat Improvements

October 2025 Update: 

For the most up to date information from the contractor please click here or visit https://www.wsreclamation.com/portfolio-items/quincy-farm-pond-restoration/

This project is now underway! The contractor will complete the dredging and earthwork this fall, and will remobilize in the spring to reseed, plant wetland plugs, and plant trees. During the dredging process, the High Line Canal Trail may occasionally close during the day and a short detour will be posted to keep trail users safe during trucking operations. Please keep an eye out for flaggers and signage!

January 2025 Update:

This project was originally planned for fall 2024; however, it has been delayed to fall 2025 due to numerous factors. The ownership of the High Line Canal transitioned from Denver Water to Arapahoe County in 2024, creating the need for additional agency review for the project. The plans are now being reviewed by Denver Water, Arapahoe County, and the High Line Canal Conservancy. Since the pond is important habitat, the construction should not take place in the spring or summer to avoid disturbing nesting songbirds and/or raptors. Therefore, the project is now scheduled for fall 2025.

Project Description:

At Quincy Farm, there is a historic (1930’s) irrigation pond located next to the High Line Canal trail. The pond provides trail users with many opportunities to view wildlife. It is the first documented breeding site of Hooded Mergansers in Colorado. In recent years, game cameras located at the pond have captured American White Pelicans, Black-Crowned Night Herons, Double-Crested Cormorants, Great Blue Herons, Snowy Egrets, and many ducks and geese.

The pond has filled with sediment over the years and become very shallow. When the City took over management of the Farm in 2016, the pond was suffering from extreme algae blooms due to the shallow depth and lack of aeration. For the past few years, the City has contracted with an ecological consultant that visits monthly March-November and provides treatments with algaecide and beneficial bacteria. These treatments have provided some relief, but the pond has been assessed as too shallow for an aerator to be beneficial.

In fall 2025, the city plans to dredge the pond to make it smaller and deeper to improve the water quality and create an improved habitat for wildlife. The final design and planting plan will ensure that the pond will have improved water quality, less evaporation, and provide better habitat for nesting and migrating birds. As one of the most heavily visited sections of the High Line Canal, this will provide ample opportunities for trail users to view and enjoy the wildlife that frequents the pond. 

In 2024, the City applied for and was awarded a grant from Arapahoe County Open Space to assist with completing this project. The grant will provide $241,088.00 of funding to supplement the City's cash match of $90,000.00.