Thank you for your interest in joining the Front Porch Sustainability Challenge. In response to a film series we hosted in 2024 a group of neighbors and community leaders got together to talk about how we can all support each other in protecting the environment. That’s where the challenge was born.

Christina Foust, a professor of Communication Studies at MSU Denver, and co-founder of the Westerly Creek  Elementary School Green Team, joined the paper to share ideas in her column Green Simple Living. There’s been such a great response, that we decided to launch the challenge, a way to inspire us all to do better and help inspire others. And what better place to start than in the garden, and grow something.

We want to share your ideas!

The first one is this vertical garden comes from Rachel Esposito in Northfield. She says she built the vertical garden last year while listening to Braiding Sweetgrass , finding a way to best use her small space.

Send your ideas to editor@frontporchne.com.

 

And for inspiration, check out the following organizations:

• Denver Urban Gardens offers events and education.
• The Denver Botanic Gardens offers certificate programs in landscape design, waterwise gardening and drip irrigation for homeowners.
• Visit the City of Aurora Waterwise Garden for ideas.
• Colorado State University classes and information.
• Apply for free trees from the Denver Be A Smart Ash program.
• Aurora Food Justice Northwest Aurora

Events:

8/6 Wednesday—Knowing Your Home Basics. 5:30–8pm. 555 Santa Fe Dr. Register at denvertoollibrary.org

8/7 Thursday—Preserving the Flavor of Summer. Learn the best techniques for drying herbs like basil, thyme, and oregano, as well as flowers such as chamomile and calendula. 6–8pm. Posner Center, 1031 33rd St. dug.org

8/9 Saturday—Make the Most of Your Summer Garden. Pickling and Salsa Making Workshop. 9am–12pm. The Urban Farm, 10200 Smith Rd. Tickets at theurbanfarm.org

8/13 to 9/24—Free Gardening Classes. A different subject every Wednesday evening from 6-7:30pm. Arvada Community Garden, 9195 W 57th Ave. arvadagardeners.org

8/16 Saturday—Perennials for a Water Wise Landscape. Learn which perennials will thrive with a minimum of supplemental water. 9:30–11am. 1007 York St. Register at botanicgardens.org

8/23 Saturday—Benefits of Planting Native. Native landscapes typically offer great water savings compared to traditional landscapes. 9:30–11am. 1007 York St. Register at botanicgardens.org

8/30 Saturday—Guide To Food Preservation. Learn the five primary food preservation techniques that every gardener should know. 9:30am–12:30pm. 1007 York St. Register at botanicgardens.org

9/1 Monday—Ecological Design & Permaculture. Tools to heal land and communities. 1–4:30pm. 555 Santa Fe Dr. Register at denvertoollibrary.org

9/5 Friday—Art Supply Swap. Learn about upcoming programs and bring art supplies you no longer need to swap with other students. 5:30–7:30pm. 1007 York St. Free with registration at botanicgardens.org

9/27 Thursday—Youth Climate Action Day. Community service projects 9am–1pm, climate action plan 1–3pm. Ages 15–25. Fort Collins. sustainablelivingassociation.org