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 |
| 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. |
View volunteer shifts here. |
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Xeriscape Garden Bike and Walking Tours |
Tours are monthly from June- September. |
Join us for a DIY waterwise garden tour by bike or foot! Explore native plants, pollinators, and the Xeriscape Incentive Program while discovering easy low-water landscaping tips. Accessible routes with multiple stops! |
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FoCo EcoFest, Xeriscape Garden Party & Native Plant Swap |
June 14, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. |
Join us to celebrate and learn about sustainability! Learn from landscape experts, participate in the plant swap & learn about resources that are available to help you save water in your landscape. |
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Native Plant & Seed Swap Volunteer Opportunities |
Sign up to help grow native plants for the annual Native Plant Swap & Giveaway at the Xeriscape Garden Party in the spring. In the fall, help collect and clean seeds for the annual Native Seed Swap at Gardens on Spring Creek. |
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?
Finding and repairing dripping faucets and leaking toilets saves water and money.
Maintaining your cooling equipment ensures it is running efficiently.
Pre-heating your home before 5 p.m. in the winter and coasting through the on-peak hours can save money on your utility bill.