by Laura Pechaitis, Shadow Grass Park HOA (Longmont, CO) laura.pechaitis@icloud.com
Research websites, with a focus on best practices for Colorado’s climate and soil conditions.
Reach out to local garden groups, CSU Extension offices, and pollinator organizations for advice and guidance and to learn about available resources.
Obtain approval from the HOA Board and Architectural Review Committee. Make sure that covenants/guidelines permit such a project. In some cases, the local government may have to approve a major landscape change in an HOA community, so check with your local government about this.
Generate interest in your project through meetings, social events, newsletters, and emails. Identify people within your community who might be able to provide expertise and volunteer assistance. Create a Steering Committee.
Identify a location for your project. Start with a small area. You can always expand the habitat later or add other locations. Before making a final decision on the location, obtain a soil analysis and determine how you will irrigate the habitat. The first couple of years will require more water than future years. Make sure the HOA will accept responsibility for long-term maintenance after the habitat is established.
Create a design plan and develop the schedule and budget. Use pollinator-friendly, drought-tolerant plants that do well in Colorado’s harsh climate. Be sure to include all costs associated with preparing the soil, as determined by the soil analysis. (Soil preparation is one of the most important steps in creating a successful habitat.)
Research grant and funding opportunities through your local government, pollinator organizations, the water authority, and/or the HOA budget. You can also solicit donations from local businesses and your HOA members. Volunteers can donate their time, and some HOA members might be interested in “adopt a spot” opportunities or in donating a special tree, shrub, or plant.