High Plains Environmental Center

Q: What can I do on-site at HPEC?

You can visit our demonstration garden s to get inspired to transform your own space (open dawn to dusk). Inside our offices (open by appointment) we have a small library, museum, and classroom.

VISIT

GET INSPIRED

ACT

RESTORING NATURE WHERE WE LIVE, WORK, AND PLAY

High Plains Environmental Center is a testament to the beauty and resilience of native ecosystems. At HPEC, we are dedicated to restoring nature where we live, work, and play. Our “living laboratory” demonstration gardens offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore and connect with nature within a 3000 acre suburban development, showing that merging nature and residential life is possible!

HPEC features an array of attractions designed to inspire visitors to transform their own spaces to be more ecologically beneficial. To get started, we encourage you to check out our online native plant sale, our network of trails, our many demonstration gardens, and our educational classes.

Create A
Native Garden

SHOP THE
NATIVE PLANT SALE

Educational Resources

Provides food and habitat for pollinators

Uses less water and helps with conservation

Requires less maintenance and easy to care for

I'm curious and want to learn!

How Do I Start a Native Garden?

What Natives Should I Plant?

High Plains Environmental Frequently Asked Questions

What does HPEC do?

High Plains Environmental Center exists to restore natural ecosystems within the suburban environment through the use of native plants. We do this by (1) Education, (2) Land Management, and our (3) Native Plant Nursery.

Where is HPEC located?

You can find us at 2698 Bluestem Willow Drive, Loveland, CO 80538.

What are HPEC’s hours of operation?

Our gardens are open from dawn to dusk everyday. Our office is open by appointment.

What can I do on-site at HPEC?

You can visit our demonstration gardens to get inspired to transform your own space (open dawn to dusk). Inside our offices (open by appointment) we have a small library, museum, and classroom.

Does High Plains Environmental sell native plants?

Yes. HPEC offers the most diverse selection of native plants in the Rocky Mountain Region. In 2024 we offered over 180 species of native plants, including some that had never been grown commercially before, and others that don’t even have Wikipedia pages!

How do I start a native garden in my space?

High Plains Environmental Center exists to restore natural ecosystems within the suburban environment through the use of native plants. We do this by 1. Education, 2. Land Management, and our 3. Native Plant Nursery.

Is the HPEC plant sale online only?

Yes. Order online, pickup in person. More detailed instructions here.

Exception – we host occasional in person pop-up sales at our site. We do not currently have the ability to ship plants as we are a very small organization.

What are the benefits of native plants?

Native plants often require less water, do not need to be mowed, do not require fertilizer, and support beneficial insects and wildlife. They are an essential part of Colorado habitats.

What does SUBURBITAT mean?

Suburb + Habitat = Suburbitat. Simply put, Suburbitat means including nature as a stakeholder in the communities that we design and build.This can include providing habitat by utilizing native plants in landscaping, creating open space with native grasses, and building stormwater ponds that replicate the functions of our dwindling wetlands.

How can I volunteer at HPEC?

Absolutely! HPEC depends on volunteers to grow plants in our nursery, manage our demonstration gardens, and help us with engaging visitors. Click here to learn more.

Do you offer events at HPEC?

Yes! Check out our classes, events, and volunteer opportunities here.