On June 6, Denver Urban Gardens (DUG) joined the City of Aurora and community partners for Water-Wise Day at the Aurora Water-Wise Garden. The annual event brings together residents, educators, and environmental organizations to explore practical strategies for conserving water and building resilient landscapes in Colorado’s dry climate.
Held at the Aurora Water-Wise Garden, the event featured educational booths, demonstrations, and hands-on learning focused on water conservation, efficient irrigation, and drought-tolerant planting. Participants were invited to tour the garden and learn from local experts about approaches that support thriving landscapes while reducing water use.
DUG staff engaged with attendees throughout the morning, sharing resources and guidance on water-wise gardening practices commonly used in community gardens and food forests. Conversations centered on improving soil health to retain moisture, selecting climate-adapted plants, and using irrigation methods that support long-term sustainability in urban growing spaces.
DUG representative Kaelyn attended the event on behalf of the organization and emphasized the broader community and civic dimension of water conservation work. A part of this year’s DUG Corps cohort, she described meaningful conversations with Aurora residents about expanding local sustainability infrastructure, including composting access. Kaelyn shared that she encouraged community members to advocate for city-supported composting systems, noting that Aurora currently relies primarily on private subscription-based services rather than municipal collection. She reflected that the event helped foster connection among environmentally engaged residents and reinforced the idea that sustainability is both a daily practice and a shared civic responsibility.
Water-Wise Day also highlighted the importance of collaborative education in addressing ongoing drought conditions across the region. By bringing together residents, city staff, and partner organizations, the event demonstrated how local action and shared knowledge can support healthier landscapes and more resilient communities.
DUG is grateful to the City of Aurora for hosting Water-Wise Day and for continuing to create opportunities for public learning and engagement around water conservation.
