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 2025 Is Closed

Please email Paula Petroff at petrofpj@co.larimer.co.us to be placed on the waitlist for any 2025 courses and/or the interest list for 2026. 

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.

2025 Native Plant Master Course Dates

Lory State Park, Fort Collins

Dates: May 23rd, May 30th, and June 6th
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: $150

Red Mountain Open Space, Wellington

Dates: June 4th, 11th, and 25th
Times: 8:30am - 12:30pm
Instructor: Denise Culver
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: $150

High Plains Environmental Center, Loveland

Dates: July 14th, 21st, and 28th
Times: 3:00pm - 7:30pm
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: $150

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 and $50 refundable deposit

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

2025 Special Native Plant Master Courses

Alpine Flowers, Rocky Mountain National Park

Dates: June 30th
Times: 8:00am - 3:00pm
Instructor: Marlene Borneman
Cost: $50

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

Dates: July 15th
Times: 8:30am - 12:30pm
Instructor: Kathy Maher
Cost: $50



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

 

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