Naturally Thornton

Naturally Thornton is a City wide sustainability effort focused, but not limited to, the reduction of water consumption and environmental enhancement.

The Naturally Thornton program will remove passive (low use) Kentucky bluegrass and replace with native/sustainable landscapes.

At each site, the process of bluegrass to native/sustainable grass conversion will take three years to fully implement.

Yes, all Naturally Thornton grass conversions will be irrigated throughout establishment. After establishment the grasses will be watered, but at vastly reduced rate than bluegrass, thus reducing water usage throughout the City.

Many people find native/sustainable grasses very attractive. These grasses change color with the seasons, sway in the wind and provide habitat for wildlife. Standing next to and in contrast to remaining bluegrass, the native grasses enhance the natural environment while greatly reducing the overall cost of maintenance.

No, this will not reduce property values. Native landscapes are standard practice across the Denver metro area and widely accepted. All indications are that properly maintained native spaces have positive impacts on property values due to the enhanced natural environment.

Wherever possible the grasses will be mowed once in the fall. Native/sustainable grasses work best when they are allowed to produce seed over the summer and drop in the fall. By waiting to mow until the fall season, the grasses can go through and entire life cycle, enhancing the grass stand.

All Naturally Thornton bluegrass conversion sites, near residential areas will be irrigated and maintained to high standards to reduce fire concerns.

It depends on the grass type. Do not expect the grasses to reach a height above 2’. Many will be much shorter, depending on the location and landscape. We will strive to mix the grasses and place them in the most appropriate landscape.

Various native/sustainable and cool/warm season grasses will be planted. Soon you will see grasses such as Western Wheat, Green Needlegrass, sand dropseed, Sideoats Gramma, Buffalograss.

Only passive (low use) locations will be converted from bluegrass to native/sustainable grasses. The goal is to eliminate grasses difficult to water and/or to actively recreate on. The initial locations are located in detention ponds or larger community size parks. Passive recreation will still be encouraged in native /sustainable grass locations.

Kentucky bluegrass requires extensive resources to properly maintain in our arid Front Range Colorado environment. The greatest bluegrass maintenance expense is water. Bluegrass water demands are double that of native/sustainable grasses. Water which can be used for other purposes. Bluegrass also requires extensive investments in pesticides, mowing, and fertilization, each use having negative impacts on water or air quality, while demanding staff labor time. Native/sustainable grasses and landscapes reduce or eliminate the cost of maintenance of City resources while enhancing wildlife and pollinator habitat.