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Native Landscaping

The front of Winona Elementary School was redesigned with low-water, native landscaping to continue reducing unnecessary outdoor water use, become better stewards of the environment, and increase public awareness of native plants.

Wide shot of Winona Elementary with new low-water landscaping featuring gravel, native plants, and a clear blue sky

The Winona Cottages were demolished - revealing around 12,000 square feet of dirt needing landscaping. Rather than plant high-water Kentucky Bluegrass, the Thompson School District used plants adapted to the local climate.

As a result, the area was filled in with a mix of low-water native plants, including Big Brush Sage and Little Bluestem, boulders from a local quarry, gravel, a pathway that encourages visitors of the school to walk through the space, and plant signs to identify various plants.

By choosing these native plants over Kentucky Bluegrass, the school is anticipated to see water savings of over 405 kgal a year, equivalent to around 8,500 bathtubs! A Colorado Water Conservation Board grant allowed for a larger project to be completed than with District funds alone.

Newly planted native Standing Ovation grasses with plant signs in gravel beds at Winona Elementary, promoting low-water landscaping.
Gravel area with native plants, boulders, and plant signs outside Winona Elementary School
Pathways through gravel landscaping and native plants outside Winona Elementary, designed to reduce water use.
Side view of Winona Elementary's gravel landscaping with scattered native plants and a natural rock feature.
Children and an adult observe a plant sign in the low-water landscaping area at Winona Elementary
A teacher and students walk along a pathway through the landscaped area with native plants and gravel at Winona Elementary
Adult and children explore native plants along the pathway at Winona Elementary’s new water-efficient landscaping