As Utah’s population expands, West Jordan residents are seeing a practical solution to the state’s water‑scarcity challenge. The newly built Terrane neighborhood is demonstrating how thoughtful landscape design can preserve water while keeping yards attractive and supportive of local pollinators.

Community planting event highlights local effort

On Saturday, volunteers gathered for a community planting day at Terrane, installing native shrubs, grasses and wildflowers. The event, organized by the nonprofit Slow the Flow, emphasized that outdoor watering accounts for a large share of household water use—about 65 % for homes with conventional lawns, according to Slow the Flow spokesperson Cynthia Bee.

Expert advice backs native‑plant approach

Landscape architect Marcus Pulsipher explained that homeowners do not need to replace every yard with rocks or artificial turf to save water. “Choosing plants that thrive in Utah’s climate creates attractive, low‑maintenance landscapes that need far less irrigation,” he said.

Liz Hamilton, manager of the Utah Pollinator Habitat Program at the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, added that native species are naturally adapted to the region’s dry conditions. Once established, they require minimal supplemental watering and provide essential habitat for bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

Technology reduces waste

Terrane’s design incorporates an underground drip‑irrigation system that delivers water directly to plant roots, cutting loss from spray and evaporation. This efficient method aligns with Slow the Flow’s broader goal of helping Utah families reduce outdoor water consumption without sacrificing curb appeal.

Resources and incentives for all homeowners

Slow the Flow offers guidance and potential incentives for projects that replace traditional lawns with water‑wise landscaping. Additionally, the state’s Native Plant Grant Program will open applications on March 1, 2027, allowing residents to receive free native plants for qualifying projects.

The program’s intent is not to eradicate grass entirely, but to encourage homeowners to make informed choices about where grass is truly needed and which plants best suit each spot. By doing so, families can lower water bills, support local ecosystems and uphold the stewardship values many Utah residents hold dear.

How to get involved

Homeowners interested in learning more about water‑wise landscaping, grant eligibility or the Terrane community’s design can visit SlowTheFlow.org for resources, best‑practice guides and contact information for local volunteers.

Original reporting: FOX 13 KSTU (Salt Lake County) — read the source article.