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<br />PROJECT DESCRIPTION <br /> <br />Summary Description <br />The proposed project is the design and construction ofaXeriscape garden on a south-facing slope <br />located at Longs Peak Middle School (Longs Peak), 1500 14th Avenue, in Longmont, Colorado. <br />The garden will be used to educate students and the school community about the value of Xeriscape <br />as a water conservation tool. <br /> <br />The garden site is approximately l,575 square feet. It is located directly west and adjacent to steps <br />leading to the front school entrance. The site faces south and slopes to the sidewalk. It is currently <br />landscaped in Bluegrass and is irrigated with ditch water. Because of the slope, there is significant <br />water runoff and it is difficult to keep the turf green. An identical site (although somewhat larger-- <br />1,950 square feet) on the east side of the steps will continue to be maintained with bluegrass and will <br />act as a "traditional" control site for comparison purposes. <br /> <br />Each site will be individually metered and attached to the school's potable water system. The existing <br />irrigation system at the Xeriscape site will be converted to a low flow-bubbler system. Students will <br />read and report the comparative water usage for each site, adjusting for the slight differences in <br />square feet. It is anticipated the school district will not only conserve water, but also, eliminate <br />pwnping and high filter maintenance costs associated with ditch water. Ditch water has high turbidity <br />levels and is not appropriate for low-flow irrigation systems. <br /> <br />The process for developing and maintaining the garden is envisioned as student-intensive. It's <br />primary purpose is to teach water conservation to future generations. Longs Peak has approximately <br />850 students per year. The project is modeled after a similar successful project at Northridge <br />Elementary School (Northridge) constructed in 1996. The project at Northridge involves 4th and 5th <br />grades. Students participated in the design and planting of the garden, monitor water use, and accept <br />responsibility for the garden maintenance year-around. An annual maintenance schedule is developed <br />and maintenance is assigned to students, scout troops and school family/community volunteers. The <br />garden assignment is perceived as" cool," and students actively pursue it. The garden was awarded <br />a 1996 Xeriscape Colorado award for excellence. <br /> <br />The project at Longs Peak will involve 6th and 7th grades. Northridge acts as a feeder school to <br />Longs Peak, and there may be a carryover effect. Because the students are older, it is anticipated <br />they will be involved in the planning and solicitation of donations from the green industry and the <br />community. Students will help plant, will be responsible for monitoring and reporting water use, and <br />will provide on-going maintenance of the garden. Articles on the garden will be included in the <br />school newsletter, the City of Longmont newsletter, and the local newspaper. It is anticipated the <br />school may be used as a site for Xeriscape seminars offered to the community at large. <br /> <br />Project Management/Community Participation <br />The proposed project has the support ofthe Longs Peak principal and teachers. Project management <br />and coordination will be provided by Ralph Bozella, Energy Educator/Manager for the St. Vrain <br />Valley Schools. Mr. Bozella also helped coordinate the project at Northridge. Design and <br />