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Employing sustainable landscapes and efficient irrigation practices aren't just good for the environment; they can save homeowners a boatload of money and time.

That was one of the messages conveyed at a sustainable landscapes workshop and garden tour Thursday at Yampa River Botanic Park. The Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association's Sustainable Business Program presented the event in partnership with the Mount Werner Water and Sanitation District, the city and the Steamboat II Metropolitan District.

Speakers focused on xeriscaping, the practice of water conservation through creative landscaping, emphasizing native plants and efficient irrigation practices. Chris Zuschlag, of I-Design, said the Yampa Ranger Station recently replaced a turf lawn with efficiently irrigated native landscaping.

"They're saving 70 percent of their water bill now. They're not mowing it. They're not doing anything to it," Zuschlag said. "If you want a golf course : you've got to be married to your yard."

Zuschlag said no landscaping is 100 percent maintenance free, but he offered several tips to save time and money. His No. 1 recommendation was to purchase a rain sensor and tie it in to existing sprinkler systems. The sensors cut the power to irrigation systems while it is raining and allow them to kick back on, if needed, after the rain passes. Zuschlag said a wireless model costs $125.

Kathy Olsen, of Lotus Designs, said xeriscapes aren't just rocks and cactuses, and can be quite beautiful.

"It's about trying to find a balance between what we want and what the environment is going to allow us to do. Xeriscape doesn't mean you have to plant all drought-tolerant, native plants," said Olsen, who said she hopes the landscapes will become more popular. "The only way we can do it is by doing it. : We have this tendency to think that we have to have a lawn because our neighbor has a lawn."

In addition to saving private individuals and businesses money, Mount Werner Water General Manager Jay Gallagher said conserving water saves public funds as well by delaying the need to construct new filtration bays. Unavoidably, the same water that is filtered for domestic use in Steamboat Springs also is used for lawn irrigation.

"We're trying to cut down the rate of water use growth here in the valley so we don't have to invest in water infrastructure," Gallagher said. "Irrigation plays a big piece in this, and landscaping plays a big piece in this. This can save community time and money in infrastructure."