Building Sustainable Landscapes
Adams 12 Five Star Schools is transforming traditional landscapes into sustainable, lower-water outdoor spaces that are better suited to Colorado’s climate.
Creating school grounds that conserve resources, support Colorado’s natural environment and promote hands-on learning.
By replacing portions of conventional turf with native grasses, drought-tolerant plants and more efficient irrigation systems, we can conserve water, reduce long-term operating costs and create healthier habitats for native pollinators. These improvements also help ensure our schools remain attractive, welcoming places for students, staff, families and neighbors.
Why sustainable landscaping?
Colorado is a naturally dry place, but many traditional landscapes depend on plants that require substantial irrigation. Kentucky bluegrass, for example, can require more than 50 inches of water annually, compared with roughly 17 inches for native grasses. Water is also the district’s second-largest utility expense.
Our sustainable landscaping work is designed to deliver four long-term benefits:
Save water
Native grasses and drought-tolerant plants require significantly less irrigation once established. Efficient irrigation systems help ensure water is used where and when it is needed.
Save money
Lower water consumption and reduced mowing cut utility and maintenance labor costs, freeing up more funding for students and classrooms.
Support native pollinators
Native and pollinator-friendly plants provide food and habitat for bees, butterflies and other species that play an essential role in Colorado’s ecosystems.
Create opportunities for learning
Transformed grounds double as living laboratories for science, sustainability, and outdoor discovery.
What these landscapes include
Each school site is unique, so landscape plans are shaped by the needs and conditions of the campus. Upgrades may include:
- Attractive, Welcoming Entrances and Gathering Areas: Inviting outdoor spaces that create a strong first impression while supporting connection, learning and our community.
- Native Grasses & Low-Water Plants: Deep-rooted grasses and colorful pollinator-friendly perennials.
- Smart Irrigation: Modern, efficient systems that deliver water only where and when it's needed.
- Strategic Turf Reduction: High-water lawns are kept only where active recreation (athletic and play fields) requires them.
- Colorado-Inspired Features: Natural stone, gathering areas, and spaces designed for outdoor instruction.
These landscapes may look different from conventional lawns – particularly during their establishment period – but they are intentionally designed to become more resilient and sustainable over time.
Taking root across the district
Sustainable landscaping is already taking root at schools including STEM Lab, FutureForward at Washington Square and Thunder Vista P-8. The district is building on that work through the 2024 Bond by converting additional school landscapes, including improvements at Rocky Top Middle School.
At Rocky Top, the redesigned landscape is expected to reduce annual water use by as much as 30%, depending on weather and utility conditions, while creating an attractive and welcoming entrance. Similar projects will help transform school grounds across the district in the years ahead.
Landscapes that grow and change
Native and drought-tolerant landscapes take time to become established. During the first several growing seasons, plants may be smaller, more widely spaced or less uniform than mature landscaping. Appearance also changes naturally throughout the year.
These differences are part of building a resilient landscape adapted to Colorado – not signs that an area has been forgotten or is not being maintained.
By honoring Colorado’s natural beauty today, we ensure our school grounds remain vibrant, welcoming, and resilient for years to come.