Colorado has a wealth of native plants, colorful wildflowers, grasses, shrubs and trees. Therefore, they are naturally adapted to our variable climate, soils, temperatures and elevations. The Native Plant Master Program connects people with the environment around them by instilling comprehensive knowledge of our native flora.
Courses are taught consecutively over a three week period, and are held on-trail in a variety of beautiful locations around the county. Sign up today!
In this three week course you will…
- Learn the values and characteristics of native plant species
- Acquire skills to identify natives plants and invasive weeds in the field using a dichotomous key
- Become knowledgeable on the stewardship of the native ecosystem
Learn More about Native Plant Masters (NPM) at the Statewide NPM Website
Register for NPM Courses on Eventbrite
2022 Boulder County Native Plant Master Courses
Plant ID Classes
Basic Botany
Your introduction to (or refresher on) botanical terminology, the basics of dichotomous keying and the characteristics of Colorado’s most species-rich families. Participants will familiarize themselves with morphological characteristics and key family traits.
- Dates: Saturdays, March 12 and 19, 2022
- Time: 9:00 am -12:00 pm
- Location: Program will be via Zoom
- Instructors: Elizabeth Allen
- Cost: $10
Wildflower Discovery Walk at Betasso Preserve
- Date: Wednesday, June 15, 2022
- Time: 10 AM- 12 PM
- Location: Betasso Preserve
- Instructors: Barbara Fahey, founder of the Native Plant Master program
- Cost: $15; Register HERE.
Have you ever wondered what tales the wildflowers have to tell? Come celebrate spring with a wildflower walk at Betasso Preserve and discover the names, lifestyles, friends and foes of our native spring bloomers. This walk is open to all with no experience necessary. Registration available for 12 participants. Walk leaves from main trailhead at 10:00 AM.
Virtual Wildflower & Weeds Walk
- Date: Saturday, July 23rd, 2022
- Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 am
- Location: Program will be via Zoom, check back for program registration
- Instructor: Elizabeth Allen
- Cost: FREE, Register HERE.
Take a virtual summer wildflower walk and stop along the way to learn how to identify common flowers along with some of our more common invasive species at Caribou Ranch. Situated in the upper Montane life zone (8,300′ to 10,000′), Caribou Ranch is dominated by coniferous forest with many understory plants but it also has many wetlands and meadows filled with grasses and wildflowers. Invasive plants that threaten the native plants will also be discussed. There is also the possibility of spotting moose which inhabit the area.
Grass ID Course
- Date: Saturday, September 10th, 17th, 24th
- Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Location: 1st Class at Boulder County Extension building at Boulder County Fairgrounds, 2nd and 3rd classes at the South Boulder Grasslands
- Instructor: Ariana Gloria-Martinez, CSU Extension Small Acreage Coordinator
- Cost: $75, Registration HERE!
Nature Journaling & Sketching Classes
Have you ever wanted to learn to sketch plants and nature? Do you want to document your trips into natural areas? In this class you will learn basic sketching and journaling techniques. You don’t have to be an artist to take this class. These classes will deepen your observation skills and document your nature adventures. Materials needed for these classes: Art supplies, sketchbook, water bottle, portable chair, backpack to carry supplies, binoculars (optional) & field guide (optional).
Nature Journaling Basics
Date: Wednesday, May 11th, 2022
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Boulder County Extension: 9595 Nelson Rd Box B, Longmont, CO 80501
Instructor: Roberta Johnston
Cost: FREE, Register HERE.
Leaves & Trees
Date: Wednesday, June 8th, 2022
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Roger’s Grove: 220 Hover St, Longmont, CO 80501
Instructor: Roberta Johnston
Cost: FREE, Register HERE.
Flowers
Date: Wednesday, July 13th, 2022
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Rose Garden at Roosevelt Park: 700 Longs Peak Ave, Longmont, CO 80501
Instructor: Roberta Johnston
Cost: FREE, Register HERE.
Light & Shadow
Date: Wednesday, August 10th, 2022
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Boulder County Extension: 9595 Nelson Rd Box B, Longmont, CO 80501
Instructor: Roberta Johnston
Cost: FREE, Register HERE.
Landscapes (RESCHEDULED for 9/21/22)
Date: Wednesday, September 21st, 2022
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Golden Ponds: 2651 3rd Ave, Longmont, CO 80503
Instructor: Roberta Johnston
Cost: FREE, Register HERE.
Fall Colors & The Color Wheel
Date: Wednesday, October 12th, 2022
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Boulder County Extension: 9595 Nelson Rd Box B, Longmont, CO 80501
Instructor: Roberta Johnston
Cost: FREE, Register HERE.
