School Garden Refresh: Pollinator Friendly Planting

Nestled along the Westwood Via Verde, the Rocky Mountain Prep Southwest campus is home to a diverse group of teachers and families. Behind the school is our community garden, a gathering place and learning center for Southwest Denver students and families. In collaboration with local partners like Re:Vision, Denver Urban Gardens, and Sustain Ed, we offer hands-on learning experiences for two schools who have over 90% of students receiving free and reduced lunch. Our youngest students visit the garden three times a year on "field trips", while middle schoolers participate in a garden club. Families are deeply involved throughout the year in caring for the garden, creating a strong sense of ownership and pride. Last year, we harvested more than 600 pounds of fresh produce, and in the winter, we focus on nutrition and cooking, helping families prepare healthy meals like cauliflower and carrot pupusas.

We have a vision of turning our garden into a vibrant pollinator habitat by replacing non-native plants and bare areas with a mix of native flowers, grasses, and shrubs to create a welcoming home for bees, butterflies, and other important insects. We hvae a grant from the Protect Our Pollinators Habitat Fund that will allow us to expand our native plantings, boost biodiversity, and reduce water usage. Not only will this beautify our campus, but it will improve the ecological health of the Westwood Via Verde and help conserve water. Additionally, we will be able to grow more food and teach our community about the important role of native plants and pollinators in our ecosystem.

Our long-term vision is to create a thriving, beautiful garden that serves as a model for sustainable urban agriculture, and as a space where anyone can come to learn, grow, and connect. By engaging students, families, and neighbors, we’re ensuring the school garden and family garden spaces in Southwest Denver will flourish for generations to come-a living example of the power of community and nature working together.

Private Group Details:

• Group Size Range: 5 - 20
• Event can be held at organization location(s)
• No Donation