2025 NPM Wildflower Walk at Roxborough State Park - May 22, 9:00am-1:00pm

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.