2026 Riparian 3-day NPM Course May 26, June 2 & 9 from 8am-12pm

The Foothills to Plains Native Plant Master Program offers classes in Arapahoe, Douglas and Elbert counties. We offer different ways to engage and learn about native plants, local ecosystems, and natural resources with courses geared for novice to advanced learners.If you are new to learning about native plants, consider signing up for a one-day class. Topics may include: introduction to native plants, botany and common plant families, keying practicums, soil chemistry and watershed health, weed walks, and build your own native plant and pollinator garden.To develop a deeper understanding of native plants, we offer full 12-hour Native Plant Master (NPM) courses that may be counted toward a Native Plant Master Certificate.TrainingNative Plant Master (NPM) courses are offered at various open spaces, state parks, and other public natural areas. Each NPM course is a 12-hour commitment made up of three, four-hour sessions that meet weekly. NPM courses are taught in the field using living examples of the native flora in Colorado. Each course offers a perspective on the local ecosystem and plant life. Topics for each course include:Session 1: Plant identification with an emphasis on scientific names, families and use of a botanical key.Session 2: Ecological relationships, including non-native plants.Session 3: Landscape, food and other human uses.Native Plant Master CertificateTo become certified as a Native Plant Master, complete 36 hours of field training in three NPM courses. Classes may be taken in any county. Upon successfully completing the training, participants are awarded the Native Plant Master certification.For more information, visit theFoothills to Plains Native Plant Master Program website.You can also sign up to receive notifications about future class offering here.For questions on specific classes, please email Dawn Fradkin at dfradkin@arapahoegov.com.Colorado State University Extension provides information and education and encourages the application of research-based knowledge in response to local, state and national issues affecting individuals, youth, families, agricultural enterprises and communities of Colorado. Extension programs are available to all without discrimination. Colorado State University Extension, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Colorado counties cooperating. If you have a disability for which you seek accommodation, please notify mlove@arapahoegov.com at least 30 days before the event.

Native Plant Master Program - Foothills to Plains

This NPM certification course will cover a mix of woody, grasses and forbs native plants at both Hudson Gardens and South Platte Park!

South Platte Park and Carson Nature Center

In this Native Plant Master 3-day certifrication course, we’ll discuss the reasons for and impact of the continued introduction of non-native species, various prairie zones found in the US, and possible reclamation or landscape use. This course will cover a mix of woody, grasses and forbes native plants and counts towards Native Plant Master Certification with a passing grade on week 3’s exam.PLEASE NOTE: This course will be at the South Platte Park/Carson Nature Center on weeks 1 and 3 (5/26 &amp; 6/9), and class will be at Hudson Gardens and Event Center on week 2 (6/2). Class will meet from 8:00am-12:00pm all days.TRAINER:Beth Hanson is a life-long gardener with a BS in Horticulture from CSU, over 30 years of professional experience in the field and over 25 years as a Master Gardener and Native Plant Master Instructor. Beth is a professional educator/interpreter passionate about including native plants in our everyday lives.PREREQUISITE:Participants who register for a Native Plant Master certification courses will get access to 2 new introductory CSU Online NPM classes (a $138 value!) for free. You will be sent an email with access to these online classes once you have registerd.Pre-requisite online courses will be: 1. Basic Field Botany 2. Plant Families and How to use a Dichotomous KeyNATIVE PLANT MASTER PROGRAM:Participants who pass three NPM courses will receive a Native Plant Master Certificate. This 12 hour class fulfills 1/3 of the 36-hour coursework requirement towards certification as a Native Plant Master. Courses should be taken in different months and/or vegetation zones. Learn more <a href="https://arapahoe.extension.colostate.edu/foothills-to-plains-native-plant-master-program/" title="https://arapahoe.extension.colostate.edu/foothills-to-plains-native-plant-master-program/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">here</a>.REQUIRED TEXT &amp; MATERIALS:Text: Flora of Colorado by Jennifer Ackerfield. It is preferred to get the newest (2022) 2nd edition, as this is the version that the class will be taught from.Materials: A hand lens or loupe (approximately 10x.) Both lens and textbook are available through the Colorado Native Plant Society bookstore (<a href="https://conps.org/conps-store" title="https://conps.org/conps-store" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://conps.org/conps-store</a>), local and online retail outlets, and the publisher (800-621-2736).WHEN &amp; WHERE TO MEET:For weeks 1 and 3, we will meet at the Carson Nature Center in South Platte Park, 3000 W. Carson Drive., just west of the Aspen Grove Mall. Turn left into the 'Reserved' parking lot as you arrive, then walk north to the space between the two log buildings near the public rest rooms.On week 2 class will be at the Hudson Gardens and Event Center, 6115 S Santa Fe Dr, Littleton, CO 80120.WHAT TO BRING:Text book, pencil, hand lens, daypack, water, snack/sack lunch, rain gear, sun, and wind protection, bug repellent, and personal items you will need on the trail where there are no restrooms, etc. Please come prepared for moderately strenuous walking on hot, cold, windy, rainy or snowy days. (Field hikecan be on uneven terrain with hills. Bringing hiking poles is encouraged if they would make you more comfortable on the trail.)INCLEMENT WEATHER/ILLNESS:In the rare circumstance that a session must be canceled, you will be notified by phone and/or email message as soon as possible by the trainer and/or NPM Coordinator. Please confirm the email address and phone number that you use to register is current and will easily reach you.PLEASE NOTE:Although many courses fill up quickly, NPM courses with low enrollment may be cancelled.If you are interested in this course but the fee is a barrier, please reach out to mlove@arapahoegov.com to ask about our scholarship opportunities.

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2026 Riparian 3-day NPM Course May 26, June 2 & 9 from 8am-12pm

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2026 Riparian 3-day NPM Course May 26, June 2 & 9 from 8am-12pm

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