 Why
should I become a Native Plant Master?
Applications for the 2008 classes due March
15.
Have you always wanted to learn how to identify the beautiful plants
that grow around you (and to key them out)? Would you like to learn
more about using them in your landscape? Have you wondered what
attracts hummingbirds to certain plants? Would you like to share
the information you learn with members of the public? Then consider
becoming a Native Plant Master!
This is a fun, but intense, way to spend three, six, nine, or twelve
Saturday mornings in the field this summer, getting to know the
native plants of Colorado. You can take just one or all three of
the courses in this program, but to become a certified Native Plant
Master (and the envy of all your neighbors), you will need to take
all three courses, and give back some time educating others. Even
if you take just one course, there is still a modest public contact
requirement. You can help spread the word-- native plants are wonderful!
 What
is a Native Plant Master?
A Native Plant Master is a person who receives special training about native
plants and certification from Colorado State University Cooperative Extension
and then uses that training to educate the public. The mission
of the Native Plant Master Program is to educate the public about the biological
and human values of Colorado plants in order to foster stewardship and sustainable
use of plant resources. If you do not wish to educate others, then you have
the option to take the class for an increased fee.
What training is provided?
Native Plant Master courses are offered at various State parks and
public lands. If accepted to the program, participants may take
one, two, or three courses (each course consisting of three classes).
No course is a required prerequisite for another course. Courses
are limited to 12 participants, and there is a fee of $90 per course
to recover program costs, or $60, if you wish to teach others.
Each course is taught on three consecutive weeks, 8:30am- 12:30pm.
Dates and Locations for 2008 are:
May 8, 15, 22 Mt. Falcon Open Space Park
May 9, 16, 23 Mt. Falcon Open Space Park
May 10, 17, 24 Mt. Falcon Open Space Park
June 10, 17, 24 Saddle Rock Golf Course, Aurora
June 13, 20, 27 Lair o’ the Bear Open Space Park
June 14, 21, 28 Lair o’ the Bear Open Space Park
July 11, 18, 25 Reynolds Open Space Park
July 12, 19, 26 Reynolds Open Space Park
July 12, 19, 26 East Portal, Roosevelt Nat’l Forest
Advanced Course -This course includes more advanced keying and
botanical terminology than other courses and is recommended for
those with some prior botanical knowledge.
September 5, 12, 19
Plains Conservation Center, Aurora
What does each course cover?
Courses are taught in the field using living examples of the native
flora. Topics include:
• identification of key botanical characteristics, scientific
names of plants and plant parts.
• ecological relationships, including non-native plants.
• landscape/garden, food, medicinal and other human uses.
Instructors for the courses are certified Native Plant Masters with
extensive field experience or have advanced degrees.
How do you become certified as a Native Plant Master?
To be certified as a Native Plant Master, participants must take
three courses. If participants can't take all three courses in one
year, they may apply to take courses offered in future years. After
successfully completing three courses and the public contact requirement,
participants will be awarded the Native Plant Master certification
and a special patch.
For each course taken, participants will commit to teach at least
10 people about native plants using information learned in the Native
Plant Master course(s). For example, if three courses are taken,
a total of 30 educational contacts is required. Participants should
begin counting educational contacts after the first session of the
first course taken. The educational contact requirement must be
met by December 31 in the year the course is taken.
You will be sent forms quarterly to report your educational contacts;
the first form for your use is attached. We ask that you promptly
return the forms to help us document that the Native Plant Master
program has impact on the public. If you forget to include contacts
on the current quarterly report, simply include those contacts on
the next quarterly report.
Additionally, for certification, you will commit to teaching at
least one approved public educational program, either through your
agency, or for the general public. Approved programs include an
evaluated “weed and wildflower” walk of approximately
two hours , a power point presentation on native plants or weeds
(curriculum available), or a weed booth.
You can take courses even if you don’t want to teach.
To take Native Plant Master Courses and receive a Course Certificate
without being required to teach others, one must:
1. Apply to and be accepted into the Native Plant Certificate Program;
the course fee for this option is higher.
2. Must satisfactorily complete the courses including passing the
field exam.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants for the Native Plant Master Program must meet the following
qualifications:
• At least 21 years old.
• For each course taken, commit to teaching at least 10 people
about Colorado plants in one or more public programs by December
31 of that year.
• Complete quarterly reports on the number of public contacts
made.
NOTE: Courses are moderately strenuous and may require walking on
steep inclines for up to two miles on wet, rough, and/or slippery
footing during windy, cold, hot or rainy days.
How do you apply?
For questions or to request an application, call 303-582-9106 or
303-271-6622
Application process is required; registration is limited. Applications
are due March 15 2008.
Why native plants?
Colorado has a wealth of native plants, colorful wildflowers, grasses,
shrubs and trees, which are well adapted to our variable climate,
soils, temperatures and elevations. The Colorado Native Plant Society
recommends the use of native plants in landscaping, both because
of their adaptability and because Colorado has a unique regional
horticulture worth promoting and protecting.
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