Boulder, Colorado is stepping up its game in the fight against water waste, aiming for a more sustainable urban landscape. The city has kicked off an experiment with three different herbicide-free methods to phase out non-native bluegrass in favor of drought-resistant, native grasses. This initiative, unfolding at the northeast corner of Baseline Road and 30th Street, is a testament to Boulder's commitment to eco-friendly solutions and long-term climate resilience. To encourage similar practices on both private and public lands across Colorado, this project stands as a crucial pilot.
It's not just about being green for Boulder. With water savings in mind, the city is also looking at the bottom line. "There is growing community interest in learning how to replace water-intensive grasses in sustainable, vibrant ways that are good for our planet and our wallets," said Community Engagement Senior Program Manager Laurel Olsen, as per the City of Boulder. This proactive approach is supported by Boulder's community members and backed by the state, creating a robust foundation for this environmentally savvy project.
The hands-on experiment involves sheet mulching, solarization, and manual grass removal techniques. Sheet mulching involves piling organic materials atop the grass while solarization uses plastic sheeting to heat and kill unwanted vegetation. The manual labor of hand removal speaks for itself. The city will seed the manually cleared plot with native grass this August, while the other two plots must wait until next year due to their longer preparation process. Although the fruits of this labor won't be fully evident until late 2025, Boulder residents are invited to track the project's progress first-hand.
While this journey towards a greener Boulder will be a long one, the city encourages the community to participate in witnessing the transformation. Once begun in August, the seeding of native grasses in the hand-removal plot is expected to be just the start of the change. Community members visiting the site, while it won't boast full vibrance until the project's completion in late 2025, are nonetheless encouraged throughout the project. By inviting residents to observe the transition, Boulder strengthens the collective resolve for a sustainable future.
