2026 Native Plant Master Course - Colorado National Monument

The Native Plant Master® (NPM) Program is an award winning, non‐credit, educational program offered by various county Extension offices through Colorado State University Extension.

Native Plant Master Course Themes
Each Native Plant Master (NPM) course is made up of three sessions held three successive weeks.
Sessions will cover -

Botanical characteristics of plant families and species, identification using a botanical key, scientific names, and stewardship of native plants

Ecological relationships including non-native species, noxious weeds, and relationships with wildlife, pollinators, other plants, etc.

Human uses, including use of natives for sustainable landscaping, ethnobotanical and other human uses.

The third session will start with a written field exam on material from first and second sessions.

Schedule:
Session 1 - Thursday, April 9, 9am-1pm
Session 2 - Thursday, April 16, 9am-1pm
Session 3 - Thursday, April 23, 9am-1pm

Make-up date in case of weather cancellation: Thursday, April 30, 9am-1pm

Course Content: We will introduce you to 40-50 plants, using family features and a botanical key to help identify species. Ecological relationships, human connections and the potential to use some of these plants in your landscaping will be discussed. In addition, we will emphasize understanding noxious plants and the challenge they present to our native environment.

Prerequisite: A basic botany class is suggested for those who would like to refresh their botanical knowledge and is highly recommended for those who have minimal background. Registrants will have access to a recorded botany class.

Native Plant Master: Participants must attend all three classes for course completion.This 12 hour class fulfills 1/3 of the 36-hour coursework requirement towards certification as a Native Plant Master. Participants who pass three NPM courses will receive a Native Plant Master Certificate. Learn more here.

Required Materials: Flora of Colorado by Jennifer Ackerfield 2nd edition (2022 or 2024) is required for this class. Mesa County Extension office has copies of the book for sale. The book is also available through the Colorado Native Plant Society bookstore (https://conps.org/conps-store), local and online retail outlets, and the publisher (800-621-2736). Please be sure to buy the newest edition. All class participants must bring Flora of Colorado to each class session.

Book rental: You can rent Flora of Colorado, 2nd Edition, through CSU Tri-River Area Extension for the duration of a course. (Book is returned at the last session.) The fee is $15 per course. Please contact 970-244-1834 if you are interested in renting a book.

Materials provided to enrolled participants:
(1) Native Plant Manual for taking notes which you will receive at your first class.
(2) 10X-magnification hand lens.

Additional recommended materials to bring to each class:
(1) Flora of Colorado, 2nd Edition (must have for class)
(2) Pencil, highlighter, or page flags
(3) Water and snacks
(4) Warm clothing, sunscreen, rain/wind protection, and good hiking shoes

When/Where to Meet: Details to follow.

Special Instructions: Courses may require strenuous walking for extended periods on steep inclines for two or more miles on wet, rough, and/or slippery footing during windy, cold, hot, rainy, or snowy days. Courses include risks, hazards and dangers that are inherent to natural areas. Please bring appropriate clothing, equipment, footwear, etc. so that you will be comfortable in a variety of weather and trail conditions. Restrooms may be available at the trailhead but will not be present anywhere else on the trail.

Accessibility: If you need anything in order to participate in this program, please contact Jeff Pieper (jeff.pieper@colostate.edu or 970-244-1834) at least 14 business days prior to the start of the first class.