Planning for the garden began in 2002 when a Boise State University horticulture professor consulted on plant selection and his students offered design suggestions. In 2003, the existing weeds were sprayed and the soil prepared for planting, leaving seven existing drought-tolerant species.

Before the volunteer work day on May 22, a disabled-accessible concrete path was put in through the garden by a local contractor. On the big day, 20 volunteers worked side-by-side with refuge staff to install landscaping cloth, a drip irrigation system, and gravel. They also planted 36 different species of drought tolerant grasses, wildflowers, shrubs, and trees. In June, the Youth Conservation Corps crew finished installing the landscaping cloth and gravel that couldn?t be completed on the volunteer work day.

Next year we plan to add interpretive signs and a brochure to help educate refuge visitors about water conservation techniques and wildlife-friendly landscaping that they can use at home.