Xeriscape and Irrigation Educational Opportunities#
Welcome to the XIP educational opportunities page. This page will be updated throughout the year with educational events that Fort Collins Utilities is hosting on waterwise landscaping. Many of these programs are free to participate in and open to the public.
You can learn from home with our pre-recorded classes on design, irrigation, and xeriscaping basics. Looking for something more? Find additional waterwise landscaping resources and events hosted in our region at the bottom of this page.
Sustainable Landscape Series#
Want to learn more about how to take action for the environment in your yard? Sign up for a free class in our Sustainable Landscape Series! There are classes on assessing your project site, turf removal, gardening for pollinators, gardening in the shade, and more.
All classes in the table below are hosted at 222 Laporte Avenue.
| Class | Date & Time | Description | Registration |
| Landscape Design Workshop |
Tuesday, Feb. 11 5:30-7 p.m. |
Begin planning your dream landscape in this hands-on workshop. Learn to evaluate your site’s drainage, soil, sun, and microclimates, select plants that thrive, and explore xeriscaping and irrigation basics. No design experience needed! |
Click here to sign up! |
| DIY Turf Removal, Installation & Garden Maintenance |
Tuesday, Feb. 18 5:30-7 p.m. |
Learn effective turf removal, xeriscape basics, and eco-friendly landscape maintenance. Explore integrated pest management to reduce herbicides and promote biodiversity. Gain practical skills to manage weeds and foster healthy, resilient ecosystems in your landscape. |
Click here to sign up! |
| Designing & Maintaining Pollinator Gardens |
Tuesday, March 11 5:30-7 p.m. |
Explore the principles of creating pollinator-friendly landscapes. Learn about native plants, habitat diversity, and seasonality to attract bees, butterflies, and more. Gain practical design techniques to cultivate vibrant gardens that support biodiversity. |
Click here to sign up! |
| ColoradoScapes: Waterwise Plants for Challenging Conditions |
Tuesday, March 25 |
Learn to tackle Colorado’s gardening challenges with creativity and flexibility. Discover plants for small spaces, dry shade, and more. Gain tips on tree health when installing low-water gardens. Leave confident to transform tough spaces into sustainable landscapes. |
Click here to sign up! |
| Irrigation & Converting Your Sprinkler System to Drip |
Tuesday, April 15 5:30-7 p.m. |
Learn how to convert a spray irrigation zone to drip to save water and money in your xeriscape. Discover supplies, efficient irrigation tips, and waterwise landscaping techniques. Explore rebates, resources, and incentives to help you create a budget-friendly xeriscape. |
Click here to sign up! |
Upcoming Opportunities#
| Class | Date & Time | Description | Registration |
| Volunteer in the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden | Volunteer days are weekly spring through fall, and a smattering of indoor opportunities in the winter. | Volunteers will learn about plant identification, seed collection and cleaning, how to grow native plants from seed, pruning and transplanting. |
Apply to be a garden volunteer here. View volunteer shifts here. |
Recorded Classes#
Regional Educational Opportunities#
Resource Central’s Waterwise Yard Seminars: Free live and recorded webinars from Colorado landscape professionals throughout the year on a variety of waterwise garden topics.
Gardens on Spring Creek Adult Education: Design and plant your garden with water in mind! Find classes focused on waterwise landscape and water-conscious irrigation best practices to help make the most of this precious resource.
Wild Ones Front Range Chapter: Empowers Front Range residents to plant and promote native plant Coloradoscapes. They host educational events, a native plant landscaping toolkit, and free native plant & seed swaps across the Front Range.
Colorado Native Plant Society: Classes, events and resources dedicated to furthering the knowledge, appreciation and conservation of Colorado native plants and habitats.
CSU Extension Gardening Webinars: Online gardening classes taught by CSU extension agents are free and open to the public. Registration is required.
People and Pollinators Action Network: Webinars and educational events focused on sustainable landscaping and wildlife habitat. PPAN offers grants of up to $2000 for sustainable landscaping projects.
Audubon Rockies: Audubon’s Habitat Hero program teaches participants how to save water and create bird habitats in their landscapes.
Did You Know?
There are many ways to pay your bill, including online, in-person and by phone.
Planting fast-growing vines is a quick way to block unwanted summer sun. You'll get results in months.
Installing high-efficiency refrigeration equipment at your business, such as zero-energy doors and anti-sweat heater controls (rebates available), can save money.