Learn the unique anatomy and vocabulary of grass plants, how to identify when dormant vs actively growing, and typical habitats of grasses growing in South Platte Park. We will use microscopes on week 1 to see identifying characteristics difficult to see with hand lenses or the naked eye. While week 1 includes a mix of classroom work and field, weeks 2 and 3 are primarily in the field.

We’ll discuss the reasons for and impact of the continued introduction of non-native species, various prairie zones found in the US, and possible reclamation or landscape use.

This 3-week course counts towards Native Plant Master Certification with a passing grade on week 3’s exam.

TRAINER:

Beth Hanson is a life-long gardener with a BS in Horticulture from CSU, over 30 years of professional experience in the field and over 25 years as a Master Gardener and Native Plant Master Instructor. Beth is a professional educator/interpreter passionate about including native plants in our everyday lives.

Daniel Bon is a lifelong learner, photographer and plant enthusiast. He’s worked as a high school science teacher and also as outdoor science instructor in the past, but he currently works for a company that works to reduce methane emissions to help mitigate climate change. Recently, his kids have left the nest and he’s had the time to reconnect with his love of plants. He finished the Native Plant Master curriculum in 2022 and assisted his first NPM class in 2024. Dan very much looks forward to continuing to explore teaching and helping to grow the Native Plant Master program.

PREREQUISITE:

Starting this March, participants who register for Native Plant Master certification courses will get access to 2 new introductory CSU Online NPM classes (a $138 value) for free. Because this “Grasses Across the Seasons” certification course will begin before March, you will get retroactive access to these online classes as soon as they are available. You will also receive a link to access previously recorded basic botany and plant families webinars in the meantime.

Pre-requisite online courses will be:
1. Basic Field Botany
2. Plant Families and How to use a Dichotomous Key

We also offer in-person one-day Intro to Botany refresher classes that take place at South Platte Park in the Kingfisher Studio. Basic botany is recommended for those who have minimal background in botany. If you’re looking for a botany class taught with interactive and hands-on components with minimal lecturing, then this option might be best for you. One-day courses do not count towards Native Plant Master certification.

NATIVE PLANT MASTER PROGRAM:

Participants who pass three NPM courses will receive a Native Plant Master Certificate. This 12 hour class fulfills 1/3 of the 36-hour coursework requirement towards certification as a Native Plant Master. Courses should be taken in different months and/or vegetation zones. Learn more here.

REQUIRED TEXT & MATERIALS:

Text: Flora of Colorado by Jennifer Ackerfield. It is preferred to get the newest (2022) 2nd edition, as this is the version that the class will be taught from.

Materials: A hand lens or loupe (approximately 10x.) Both lens and textbook are available through the Colorado Native Plant Society bookstore (https://conps.org/conps-store), local and online retail outlets, and the publisher (800-621-2736).

WHEN & WHERE TO MEET:

We will meet at the Carson Nature Center in South Platte Park, 3000 W. Carson Drive., just west of the Aspen Grove Mall. Turn left into the 'Reserved' parking lot as you arrive, then walk north to the space between the two log buildings near the public rest rooms.

WHAT TO BRING:

Text book, pencil, hand lens, daypack, water, snack/sack lunch, rain gear, sun, and wind protection, bug repellent, and personal items you will need on the trail where there are no restrooms, etc. Please come prepared for moderately strenuous walking on hot, cold, windy, rainy or snowy days. (Field hikecan be on uneven terrain with hills. Bringing hiking poles is encouraged if they would make you more comfortable on the trail.)

INCLEMENT WEATHER/ILLNESS:

In the rare circumstance that a session must be canceled, you will be notified by phone and/or email message as soon as possible by the trainer and/or NPM Coordinator. Please confirm the email address and phone number that you use to register is current and will easily reach you.

PLEASE NOTE:

Although many courses fill up quickly, NPM courses with low enrollment may be cancelled.

If you are interested in this course but the fee is a barrier, please reach out to dfradkin@arapahoegov.com to ask about our scholarship opportunities.

2025 NPM Grasses Across Three Seasons - 3/1, 6/7 and 8/23 from 8am-12pm