Native Plant Master

About the program

The Native Plant Master Program is an award-winning, non-credit, educational program offered by various County Extension offices through the State’s land-grant institution, Colorado State University. This work is important to foster:

  • Stewardship
  • Sustainable landscaping
  • Management of weeds that threaten native ecosystems.

Participants of the program learn in the field. This includes local open space parks and natural areas in Larimer County using living examples of Colorado flora.  

Native Plant Masters Logo

 

What it means to be a Native Plant Master

Native Plant Masters know the importance of sustainable landscapes and controlling invasive weeds. 
Courses focus on:

  • Identification
  • Ecological relationships
  • Human use of plants
  • How to use a botanical key, including learning scientific names and plant families.  

You will:

  • Learn fascinating facts and uses of some of Colorado’s plants
  • Sharpen your plant ID skills
  • Discover how noxious weeds threaten native plants and wildlife
  • Interact with others who share your love of Colorado flora
A group of native plant masters in a Natural Area. They are learning to identify plants

Registration for 2024 is full.

Please email Paula Petroff at petrofpj@co.larimer.co.us  to be put on the waiting list. 

Introduction Course

The Introduction to Using a Botanical Key class is available to all Native Plant Master Participants. The course is REQUIRED for those who have minimal or no background in botany. However, all participants are welcome to participate, including those who would like to refresh their botanical knowledge.

Date: May 17th, 2024
Time: 9am - Noon
Location: Larimer County Extension Office, 1525 Blue Spruce Drive, Fort Collins, CO
Instructor: Lynn Rubright
Cost: Free

 

2024 Native Plant Master Course Dates

Lory State Park, Fort Collins

Dates: May 24th, May 31st, and June 7th
Times: 8:30am - 12:30pm
Instructor: Marcee Camenson/Barbara Patterson
Notes: The Lory State Park course is designed for beginners (those without experience using a botanical key). Park pass required.
Cost: $125

Red Mountain Open Space, Wellington

Dates: August 11th, 18th, and 25th
Times: 3pm - 7pm
Instructor: Ronda Koski
Notes: Please do not sign up for Red Mountain Open Space or High Plains Environmental Center if you do not have keying experience and do not plan on taking the Introduction to Using a Botanical Key class.
Cost: $125

High Plains Environmental Center, Loveland

Dates: July 29th, August 5th, and August 12th
Times: 8:30am - 12:30pm
Instructor: Ann Grant
Notes: Please do not sign up for Red Mountain Open Space or High Plains Environmental Center if you do not have keying experience and do not plan on taking the Introduction to Using a Botanical Key class.
Cost: $125

Required Book

You must obtain the 2nd edition of Flora of Colorado, by Jennifer Ackerfield for the Native Plant Master Course, if you cannot afford the book, you can rent this book from the Larimer County Extension Office.
Cost: $25 fee & $50 refundable deposit

The book is NOT required for the Special Native Plant Master Courses.

2024 Special Native Plant Master Courses

Alpine Flowers, Rocky Mountain National Park

Dates: July 10th
Times: 8am - 3pm
Instructor: Marlene Borneman
Cost: $45

Native Landscaping, Loveland (address will be given to participants)

Dates: July 22nd, 2024
Times: 8:30am - 12:30pm
Instructor: Kathy Maher
Cost: $45



Larimer County Colorado State University Extension

Send email

ADDRESS     
1525 Blue Spruce Dr.     
Fort Collins, CO 80524-2004

Phone: (970) 498-6000

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HOURS  
7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.    
Monday - Friday

SPECIAL HOLIDAY HOURS
December 26th - December 31st our front desk will be open from 7:30 am - 12 pm

 

Our office follows the Larimer County Holiday Calendar for office closures.