Santa Fe Standard

Santa Fe Public Schools (SFPS), alongside the Santa Fe Watershed Association (SFWA) and the Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe, has collaborated on a rain garden project at Ramirez Thomas Elementary. This initiative will be marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for April 16 at 10:30 a.m. on school grounds.

The school was identified as significantly affected by extreme heat in the city's recent Heat Island Study. The garden aims to address this by boosting vegetation, which can lower surface temperatures and enhance the environment for both students and staff.

The rain garden transformation comes courtesy of the Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe, celebrating the 100th Burning of Zozobra in 2024. The garden repurposes an existing retention basin into a feature that captures and utilizes stormwater runoff, reducing flood risks and promoting local environmental health.

Key elements include enhanced stormwater management, capturing about 90,000 gallons annually, and using rock "Zuni Bowls" to slow runoff, aiding infiltration and soil health. The garden is planted with native, drought-resistant plants that thrive without supplemental irrigation.

“This rain garden is a tangible example of how we can address climate challenges while creating beautiful, functional spaces for students,” said Lucy Stanus, SFPS Sustainability Program Director. “It’s a model for future sustainability initiatives across the district.”

Since 2012, SFPS, SFWA, the City of Santa Fe, and Southwest Urban Hydrology have worked together on multiple projects to enhance school campuses and city properties with sustainable water management practices. Aaron Kauffman of Southwest Urban Hydrology led the rain garden initiative, focusing on designing and educating about passive irrigation systems.

“The Santa Fe Watershed Association is thrilled to support these projects, which represent a powerful intersection of education, sustainability, and community well-being,” said Morika Vorenberg Hensley, SWA Executive Director. “By working together, we are building a greener, healthier future for Santa Fe’s students and residents.”

In alignment with its broader sustainability goals, SFPS has installed rain gardens at other schools, which help manage flooding, filter pollutants, and conserve water.