Thursday, May 29

2025 NPM Sandstone Ranch Open Space Wildflower Field Trip -May 29; 9am-4pm

Come explore this amazing Douglas County Open Space with us where we will be identifying native plants in varied vegetative zones.

By Native Plant Master Program - Foothills to Plains

Date and time

Thursday, May 29 · 9am - 4pm MDT

Location

Sandstone Ranch Open Space

8309 S. County Highway 105 Larkspur, CO 80118 United States

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 7 days before event

Eventbrite's fee is nonrefundable.

About this event

Event lasts 7 hours

Sandstone Ranch is a 2,038-acre Open Space property nestled beneath the foothills in southern Douglas County. Montane, riparian and grassland environments define the property. The ranch was privately owned for generations and protected through the years, which allowed for plant species proliferation. In addition to plants that are usually seen at higher altitudes, plants that are considered uncommon in Colorado or that have only recently been reported from Douglas County can be found at Sandstone Ranch.

Come explore and learn with us at this amazing open space. During this day-long field trip, we will introduce you to native plants in varied vegetative zones while utilizing the free app "Colorado Wildflower Search." This app allows you to both identify plants and log your favorites. We also encourage you to share your preferred field guides or online tools during a lunch-break discussion time. The terrain at Sandstone is varied, and to enjoy the day, everyone must be able to walk 3+ miles at a leisurely pace, including one steep uphill climb.

TRAINERS:

Elizabeth Taylor’s father was a botany professor, but much to his dismay, she pursued college degrees and a career in zoology, wildlife management, and technical communication. It was not until she retired that she started following in his footsteps and became a Native Plant Master instructor. She is also a volunteer naturalist for Douglas County Open Space and Douglas Land Conservancy and is a volunteer for Colorado Native Plant Society (CoNPS).

Heather Koch has a Master of Science in Cell Biology and is a Certified Public Accountant. Since retirement she has focused her learning on the macro rather than the cellular side of biology, plants! Her volunteer work included the CSU Master Gardener Program, the Jefferson County Diagnostic Clinic, the Douglas Land Conservancy, Douglas County Open Space, and teaching in the Native Plant Master Program.

Barb Harbach is a volunteer naturalist for Douglas Land Conservancy (DLC) and Douglas County Open Space. She is a lifelong wildflower enthusiast and a certified Colorado Native Plant Master. She studied Biology in college, took a 180 turn, and obtained a degree in commercial art, working in that field for 25 years. Now retired, she guides plant and naturalist hikes and monitors plants for Douglas County Open Space.

NATIVE PLANT MASTER PROGRAM:

This wildflower field trip does not count towards a Native Plant Master certificate. Please see our other 3-day NPM certification courses if you would like to become a certified Native Plant Master. Learn more about Foothills to Plains Native Plant Master program here.

WHEN & WHERE TO MEET:

We will meet at a private entrance to the ranch and drive into the ranch as a group. Therefore, all participants must arrive by 8:45 AM as the field trip begins at 9:00 AM. You will receive an email with detailed driving instructions prior to the class. Sandstone is approximately 20 minutes southwest of Castle Rock.

In addition, the email will include instructions for downloading the Colorado Wildflower Search app.

WHAT TO BRING:

Colorado Wildflower Search app installed on your phone/iPad, etc.; notebook, pencil, hand lens, day pack, rain gear, sun and wind protection; sufficient clothing for hot, cold, windy, rainy, snowy conditions; and hiking poles if they would make you feel more comfortable. There are minimal toilets on the ranch so please bring any personal items you might need if away from facilities.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

Please note the class will be held on an area of Sandstone Ranch Open Space that is accessible by permit only. No other guests will be allowed in that area during the class. Please come prepared for moderate to strenuous walking on hot, cold, windy, snowy or rainy days. Class will meet regardless of weather conditions.

Location Address (not a reliable method of finding the property by GPS; follow instructions which will be provided to registrants before the first class):

8309 S. County Highway 105

Larkspur, CO 80118

Organized by

Native Plant Master Program - Foothills to Plains

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.

Training

Native 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 Certificate

To 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 the Foothills 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 dfradkin@arapahoegov.com at least 30 days before the event.