About this Event
The month of June at Aurora Reservoir brings great diversity. With nearly 1,000 acres of open space surrounding 800 acres of water, this class provides the opportunity to learn a variety of upland, facultative, and obligate riparian-wetland plant species. Class hikes will be 2-3 miles round trip on a combination of concrete path and gravel trail. Participant entry fees for the Aurora Reservoir are waived compliments of the city of Aurora Parks, Recreation, & Open Space Department.
Aurora Reservoir For more info on this location, click here.
TRAINERS:
Fendi Despres-Naturalist Fendi Despres is a Natural Resource Specialist for the city of Aurora Open Space & Natural Resources Division and regularly leads a wide variety of guided hikes and interpretive programs. Fendi is a CSU Extension Native Plant Master trainer, a Certified Interpretive Guide through the National Association for Interpretation, and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Colorado.
Eric Watts-Eric Watts is the city of Aurora Open Space & Natural Resources Division Superintendent overseeing maintenance and operations for 8,000+ acres of open space, 80+ miles of trail, 3 nature centers, and 2 recreational reservoirs. Eric is a CSU Extension Native Plant Master trainer as well as a Certified Interpretive Guide through the National Association for Interpretation.
PREREQUISITE: A Basic Botany class and a Plant Families class is suggested for those who would like to refresh their botanical knowledge and is highly recommended for those who have a minimal background. There will be two free Zoom classes taught by Lenore Mitchell covering Basic Botany and Plant Families, offered by the Foothills to Plains NPM Program in April, which you can register for at the link below, to satisfy this requirement:
Basic Botany-April 4, from 4:00-7:00pm
Register in advance for this webinar:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIkceGvqzgrGNOVvQVtx1oJ1tsnHRIa3YO1
Plant Families-April 11, from 4:00-7:00pm
Register in advance for this webinar:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEtcumgqjgjGtdTJfpz1P8dfZWSTiJJWiOj
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
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: Participants will meet at the Senac Creek Nature Center located in the Aurora Reservoir main plaza. Parking is located in the Upper Lot. Early arrival to the site is necessary in order to have time to park, walk to the plaza, and be prepared to begin hiking promptly at 7:30am.
Address:
Aurora Reservoir
5800 S. Powhaton Rd.
Aurora, CO 80016
WHAT TO BRING: Ackerfield textbook, pencil, hand lens, daypack, water, sack lunch, rain gear, sun and wind protection, personal items you will need on the trail. Please come prepared for moderately strenuous walking on hot, cold, windy, rainy or snowy days.
ADDITIONAL INFO: Handouts including plant lists and online references will be provided.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
5800 S Powhaton Rd, Aurora, CO 80016, United States
USD 125.00
