A Green Corridor That Heals
Once marked for demolition, the High Line was reclaimed by a community-driven vision to restore life where concrete once ruled. Opened in 2009, this elevated park transformed an abandoned railway into a living green artery that reconnects New Yorkers to nature while healing urban space through design and biodiversity.
Sustainable Design in Action
Led by James Corner Field Operations with plantings by Piet Oudolf, the High Line's landscape prioritizes native, drought-tolerant species that require minimal water or chemicals. This climate-smart approach conserves resources, reduces pollution, and creates a thriving, self-sustaining ecosystem amid the city’s density.
Learn more about sustainable practices on The High Line.
A Haven for Urban Wildlife
Far more than a park, the High Line provides critical habitat for bees, birds, and butterflies. Its layered vegetation attracts pollinators, while elevated structures offer nesting spots for avian species. Research by the American Museum of Natural History has documented dozens of wild bee species here—proof that urban renewal can support biodiversity.
Read about wild bees on The High Line.
Smart Water Management
Using green roof technology, the High Line captures and filters rainwater, reducing stormwater runoff by up to 80%. This protects the city from flooding while sustaining the park’s plant life. It's a powerful example of how cities can manage water responsibly through ecological design.
Discover more about the High Line's water management.
Education Rooted in Place
The High Line is also a learning space. Tours and community programs spotlight native plants, urban ecology, and environmental stewardship. Events like “Keep It Wild” invite visitors to appreciate the city’s natural history and understand the healing power of biodiversity in action.
Explore native plants on The High Line.
Global Inspiration for Urban Healing
The High Line has sparked similar projects in cities around the world, becoming a model for rewilding urban spaces. By blending sustainable architecture, ecological restoration, and community leadership, it shows how cities can evolve to support life—not just people, but entire ecosystems.
In a vertical city defined by steel and glass, the High Line stands as a living example of what it means to heal Earth—right in the heart of it.
