High Plains Environmental Center
High Plains Environmental Center is a pioneering nonprofit in Northern Colorado working to bring nature back into everyday community life. Guided by the vision of a “Suburbitat”—a place where suburban neighborhoods and native ecosystems thrive together—HPEC demonstrates how people, wildlife, and healthy landscapes can coexist. Their work shows what’s possible when communities embrace native plants, water-wise design, and land stewardship as part of daily living.
Mission and Approach
HPEC empowers communities to become “living laboratories” for ecological restoration by:
• Demonstrating real-world examples of restorative landscaping, native plant gardening, and habitat creation
• Inspiring visitors to adopt native plants and sustainable practices at home
• Providing accessible, hands-on environmental education for all ages
• Growing and selling affordable native plants to support regional biodiversity and water conservation
History and Leadership
Founded through a collaborative effort to protect and restore Colorado’s high plains ecosystem, HPEC grew from the shared vision of local leaders, developers, and the City of Loveland. While the High Plains Environmental Center leads education and outreach, the High Plains Foundation owns and maintains the land and facilities that make this work possible.
A Living Landscape for Learning
HPEC offers 3.5 miles of public trails and a rich variety of demonstration gardens. Visitors can explore:
• Native plant communities arranged by moisture, soil, and site conditions
• A bioswale garden that filters stormwater naturally
• A culturally significant Medicine Wheel with plants used by Plains Native American tribes
• The Wild Zone, an outdoor classroom that encourages unstructured, nature-based play
• Additional gardens illustrating wetland ecology, heirloom orchards, and historic landscapes
A visitor center which is typically open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily features exhibits, interpretive signs, and educational videos.
Native Plant Nursery
HPEC operates a robust native plant nursery to meet growing demand for locally appropriate species. Their team collects wild seed responsibly from diverse local populations and grows plants with core values in mind:
• Strong, healthy root systems
• Pesticide-free production supported by natural predators
Plant sales run April through September, making it easier for residents to plant native at home.
