Our mission in the Garden is to promote the efficient use of Aurora’s water through education, demonstration of proven techniques, and experimentation. Within the Aurora Water-wise Garden you will find several themed beds exhibiting design techniques and landscape ideas, including ‘Go Native’ ‘Z-zone’, and ‘Pollinator’s Paradise’. Plants are labelled for guests’ convenient recognition. We hope you will discover vegetation to use in your home landscape.
Environmental stewardship is one of the core values in the Aurora Water-wise Garden. Incorporating Colorado natives and native cultivars with nonnative species, the Garden supports over 200 animal species. Aurora Water-wise Garden is honored to be recognized by the Audobon Society as a Habitat Hero Garden and a Monarch Way Station. As a Plant Select Showcase Garden, you will be sure to find plants designed to thrive in high plains with less work.
Aurora Water-wise Garden uses little supplemental water. When we do, we irrigate with reclaimed, non-potable water from Aurora’s Sand Creek Reclamation Facility. Reclaimed water is treated but not suitable for drinking. Our Garden is proud to join Aurora’s parks, golf courses, and open spaces in conserving the city’s drinking water by irrigating with reclaimed water.
The Aurora Water-wise Garden offers a variety of structured volunteer opportunities that connect community members with conservation practices while supporting garden operations. These opportunities include:
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Gardens A–Z Crew: Volunteers assist with planting, mulching, pruning, and ongoing seasonal care. This hands-on work keeps the garden thriving and gives participants direct experience with low-water landscapes.
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Compost Care Crew: Volunteers manage compost bins, turn piles, and educate visitors on soil health. This group demonstrates circular practices and helps reduce waste while improving soil fertility.
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Pollinator Count Team: Citizen scientists track pollinator activity through structured observations. Their data contributes to regional pollinator studies, informs our plant palette choices, and builds community engagement in biodiversity.
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Corporate and School Groups: Large one-time volunteer groups participate in targeted projects, such as installing new demonstration beds or tackling invasive weeds. These projects foster community pride while achieving impactful maintenance goals. (Contact [email protected] to schedule a volunteer, team-building activity.)
Together, these volunteer opportunities engage diverse audiences, extend staff capacity, and provide meaningful community education. By integrating volunteers into daily and special garden tasks, the program cultivates ambassadors for water conservation who carry lessons learned back into their neighborhoods. Learn how you can get involved in Aurora Water-wise Garden, below.