High Plains Environmental Center

Land & Gardens

HPEC tends beautiful, functional Gardens that demonstrate how native plants & sustainable landscape design can support native wildlife, enrich soil, and preserve water. 

Click on the sections below to explore our gardens, or come visit us in person!

Wetland Demo Garden

The Wetland Ecology Demonstration Garden at Old Canal Park demonstrates the relationship between soil moisture, native plant communities, and wildlife in Wetland Habitats.

Native Plant Demo Garden

Containing over 80 native plant species, this demonstration garden celebrates the natural beauty and biodiversity of Colorado, while helping to conserve water & support native pollinators.

The Wild Zone

The Wild Zone will serve as an experiential, outdoor classroom where children can partake in self-directed learning and foster a love of nature. HPEC’s Wildzone is constantly evolving with the help of volunteers.

Heirloom Fruit Orchard

Heirloom species of Apples, Plums, Cherries, Peaches, and Blackberries have been planted in HPEC’s Heirloom Fruit Orchard. These varieties celebrate and preserve a piece of Colorado’s agricultural heritage.

Medicine Wheel Garden

The Medicine Wheel Garden is an ethnobotanical garden that showcases native plants utilized by Plains Indian tribes for food, medicine, and ceremony that will be used for education & public events.