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Water Conservation and Native Landscaping

New low-water planting beds and a curved path beneath trees outside Namaqua Elementary School

Namaqua Elementary School has a new lower-water landscape near its west entrance. In 2026, Thompson School District replaced approximately 10,000 square feet of Kentucky bluegrass with walking paths, a picnic area, and a variety of plants that will add color as they grow.

A Welcoming Space for Students and Families

The redesigned area includes designated walking paths and drop-off zones, along with an ADA-accessible picnic area. The paths help guide people through the space while the new planting beds create a welcoming entrance for students, families, and neighbors.

Young shrubs and grasses planted in mulch near the school building
New low-water landscaping beside a walkway leading toward the school parking area
Trees and new plants fill a landscaped island near the school entrance
Picnic table and curved path beside the landscaped area at Namaqua Elementary School

Conserving Water and Supporting Pollinators

Replacing high-water turf and adjusting the irrigation system will help reduce outdoor water use. The plant mix will also bring changing colors throughout the year and provide habitat for pollinators as the landscape matures.

Korby Landscaping prepared the site, installed compacted crusher-fines paths and plants, and adjusted the irrigation system. Detailed Landscape developed the design.

Concept plan showing planting beds, walking paths, and a picnic area outside Namaqua Elementary School

Detailed landscape concept plan for the lower-water landscape near Namaqua Elementary School’s west entrance.

Project Support

Northern Water and the Colorado Water Conservation Board funded the project through grants, along with school and district funds.

New low-water plants and a pathway beside the Namaqua Elementary School building

Water Conservation at NES

Namaqua Elementary School replaced 10,000 square feet of turf with low-water plants, walking paths, and an accessible picnic area

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