The Boulder County NPM Program is BACK in 2026!
Colorado’s native plants are uniquely adapted to our state’s diverse climates, soils, and elevations. Through the Native Plant Master Program, participants connect with the local environment while building practical plant identification and stewardship skills.
NPM courses take place outdoors on beautiful public lands throughout the county. Classes meet on‑trail and emphasize hands‑on learning in real plant communities. A typical course will meet for three half-day sessions over the course of three weeks and will culminate with an identification exam. Those who pass three NPM exams will become a certified Colorado Native Plant Master.
In this three-session course you will…
- Learn the value, features, and ecological roles of native plant species
- Build field skills to identify native plants and invasive weeds using a dichotomous key
- Gain insight into local ecosystem stewardship and management
- Strengthen your connection to Colorado’s natural landscapes
Learn More about Native Plant Masters (NPM) at the Statewide NPM Website
Register for NPM Courses on Eventbrite
2026 Boulder County Native Plant Master Courses
Plant ID Classes
NPM 3‑Day Course: Grasses Across the Seasons
- Dates: Friday, May 1, July 31, and September 25
- Time: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
- Locations: 1st and 2nd classes at the Chuck Bliss Trial Garden, West of the Natural Resources Building at the Boulder County Fairgrounds (9595 Nelson Rd, Longmont), 3rd class at Rabbit Mountain (15140 N 55th Street, Longmont)
- Instructor: Lyndsay Gonzales, CSU Extension Small Acreage Coordinator
- Cost: $150 plus fees, Registration HERE!
- Status: SOLD OUT
If you’ve ever walked through grasslands or open space and wondered how to tell one grass from another, this course is the perfect place to start. Grasses Across the Seasons offers a rare chance to follow Colorado’s grasslands through spring, summer, and fall, learning how to identify grasses throughout the year. Whether you’re brand new to plant ID or already familiar with native species, you’ll build practical skills in the field. Join us for a season‑spanning look at one of Colorado’s most important—and often overlooked—plant groups.
One-day NPM Sampler at Rabbit Mountain
- Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2026
- Time: 9:30 AM to 12 PM
- Location: Rabbit Mountain (15140 N 55th Street, Longmont)
- Instructors: Barbara Fahey, founder of the CSU Native Plant Master program
- Cost: $40 plus fees; Register HERE.
Have you thought about taking a Native Plant Master course but weren’t sure? Come join us at Rabbit Mountain during peak spring bloom to sample what it’s all about. Just like NPM courses, this NPM introductory field trip is for beginners as well as those with more knowledge. The class will be taught by Barbara Fahey, founder of CSU’s Native Plant Master Program.
NPM 3‑Day Course: Plants of the Foothills
- Date: Fridays, June 12, 19, and 26, 2026
- Time: 9:00 am to 1:00 PM
- Location: Heil Valley Ranch (1188 Geer Canyon Rd., Boulder)
- Instructor: Sheila Prentice, CSU Extension Sustainable Landscape Specialist
- Cost: $150 plus fees, Register HERE.
Step into the foothills and discover the incredible variety of plants that thrive where the plains meet the mountains. Plants of the Foothills takes you through this dynamic transition zone that supports a surprising diversity of native species. Over three field‑based sessions, instructor Sheila Prentice will guide you through hands‑on identification and historical uses for foothills flora. Whether you’re new to plant ID or looking to sharpen your skills, this course is for you!
