Marshall Fire victims to get free waterwise gardens to help build climate resilient yards

Families rebuilding after the Marshall Fire have a new way to add color and beauty to their yards. Resource Central, a local conservation-focused nonprofit, is providing 200 square feet of waterwise gardens for free to people whose homes were damaged or destroyed in the Marshall Fire.

More than one thousand homes were destroyed by the fire last year, decimating grasses, bushes, and landscaping as well.

The Boulder-based nonprofit is providing its popular Garden In A Box perennial plants and DIY plant-by-number designs to make it easier for people to grow a vibrant waterwise yard. The plants will be available this spring and again in fall.

“There’s something healing about planting a garden,” said Neal Lurie, President of Resource Central, “and these colorful plants only require about half the water of a traditional grassy yard.”

People whose homes were damaged or destroyed during the Marshall Fire will be eligible for free waterwise garden kits that contain approximately 25-50 starter plants. That’s enough to cover up to 200 square feet of landscaping, which can transform much of a typical front yard.

These waterwise plants are being provided to Marshall Fire victims for free thanks to a recent grant from the Community Foundation of Boulder County.

“We are so fortunate our community is home to trusted partners such as Resource Central and grateful to honor the tens of thousands of donors who gave generously to help meet the needs of Marshall Fire survivors by partnering on this thoughtful, innovative initiative,” said Eric Schoenborn, Vice President of Engagement for Community Foundation of Boulder County.

Community members can learn more and sign up for the interest list here. https://resourcecentral.org/gardens-2/marshallfire/

Resource Central’s Garden In A Box program has helped thousands of community members conserve more than 240 million gallons of water.

Colorado has been in a multi-year drought, lowering rivers and reservoir levels throughout the West. Transitioning to low-water landscaping is widely viewed as a key conservation strategy to help preserve water supplies.

About Resource Central:

Founded in 1976, Resource Central is an award-winning nonprofit dedicated to putting conservation into action.  Its programs have helped more than 700,000 people save water, reduce waste, and conserve energy.  Learn more at ResourceCentral.org.

 

About Community Foundation Boulder County:

Founded in 1991, the Community Foundation has granted more than $100 million to Boulder County nonprofits and citizens in need across a range of funding areas. As a trusted resource for donors and professional advisors, Community Foundation provides philanthropic services and expertise to inform impactful giving, responds to immediate needs and anticipates future challenges. For more information, please visit www.CommFound.org.

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