Water Conservation Invites Submissions for Beautify Your Boulevard Community Landscaping Contest Until June 30
Community contest intends to reduce outdoor water use and increase drought-resilient landscaping in Bozeman
BOZEMAN – The City of Bozeman’s Water Conservation Division has developed a community contest to encourage City water account holders to take out thirsty turfgrass from their adjacent street boulevards and install drought-tolerant and native plant gardens.
“Boulevards are narrow strips of vegetation between the sidewalk and the street. They're owned by the City, but maintenance and care of that landscaping is the responsibility of the adjacent property owner,” Chelsey Trevino, Water Conservation Technician, explained. “These areas are typically installed with sod turfgrass and irrigated using overhead spray, which results in water waste onto adjacent streets and sidewalks. If we can get community members to transform their boulevards into beautiful drought-tolerant gardens, then we are one step closer to inspiring more residents to focus on outdoor water savings.”
Registration for the landscaping contest is currently open and will close on June 30. Landscaping projects must be completed in 2023. Project completion and image submission of the landscaped boulevard must be received by Nov. 1. A first- and second-place winner will be chosen by the community via online voting from mid-November to the end of December. Winners will be chosen in January 2024. The first-place winner will receive a $250 visa card along with an outdoor water-smart gift basket, and the second-place winner will receive a $100 plant nursery gift card.
Judging criteria will be based on four categories: overall aesthetics, appropriate plant selection, design elements, and efficient methods of irrigation. Boulevard trees must remain healthy and in place within the new landscaping.
The Water Conservation Division offers rebates and resources to help residents plan and pay for boulevard landscape alterations, including turf removal, drip irrigation, and drought-tolerant plant rebates. Free mulch provided by the Forestry Division and water-smart landscaping guides are also available to all City water customers.
For a complete list of rules and regulations and to register for the Beautify Your Boulevard Contest, visit www.bozeman.net/beautifyboulevard or contact 406.582.2266.
