Pueblo County 2026 Native Plant Master Course

About this event

This year Pueblo County will host its Plains/Grasslands Native Plant Master course at the Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center River Campus (the old Nature Center) and Lake Pueblo on April 29, May 6, and May 13, 2026. The class will be led by Pueblo County CSU-Extension Horticulture Specialist, Amanda Weidner. The field sessions will run from 9:00am-1pm and will meet in the Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center’s parking lot in Pueblo. More details will be provided to registered participants.

Take a Native Plant Master course that will explore our local prairie species and a few riparian ones as well during three outdoor field sessions where you will learn common and scientific names, ecological relationships and human uses of 40 – 50 plants. You will also develop skills in using family features and a botanical key to identify plants. Course includes special emphasis on natives useful for landscaping and invasive plants that threaten native ecosystems.

Please be aware that this course will include brisk walking, moderate hiking, and very likely conditions that may be hot and sunny or cold and wet. While we don’t hike hard the entire time by any means, we’ll be covering some ground quickly in order to reach all of our plants each day. You can expect going up or down some sliding gravel, steeper rock inclines, large roots (tripping hazards) on the trail, and general hiking conditions. Please judge for yourself if this will be a comfortable and doable fit for you before registering and come prepared with appropriate shoes for hiking and layers to handle the weather.

TRAINERS:

Amanda Weidner received her Native Plant Master certification in 2024 and will be teaching this Native Plant Master course that will traverse prairie and riparian areas. She has held roles as an environmental educator in the past and loves connecting kids and adults with nature as well as learning and teaching about the exciting relationships between native plants, birds, insects and more.

PREREQUISITE:

Participants who register for Native Plant Master certification courses will get access to 2 CSU Online NPM classes (a $138 value) for free and are expected to have completed the online courses before the field courses begin.

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

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.

Cost: $150 plus credit card processing fee (You may pay in person at the Pueblo County CSU Extension office with no processing fee)

REQUIRED TEXT & MATERIALS:

Text: Flora of Colorado by Jennifer Ackerfield. It is preferred to get the (2022) 2nd edition, as this is the version that the class will be taught from. There is a new (2024) 2nd printing of the 2nd edition that will also be acceptable.

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 8:30 AM at the far northern part of the parking lot at 5200 Nature Center Rd, Pueblo, CO 81003 as class begins at 9:00 AM sharp. We will have forms and first-day items to cover that will fill the time from 8:30-9:00 so be sure to be on time. Park in the parking lot and look for Amanda nearby (but not inside any of the buildings). Toilets will be available at the Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center and the Lake Pueblo Visitor’s Center but not on any of the trails. Please plan accordingly.

WHAT TO BRING:

· Flora of Colorado book (above), pencil, hand lens, daypack, water, snack/sack lunch, measuring device that shows decimeter measurements, rain gear, sun, and wind protection, bug repellent, and personal items you will need on the trail where there are no restrooms, etc. (Field hike can be on uneven terrain with hills. Bringing hiking poles is encouraged if they would make you more comfortable on the trail. Sessions will be held in almost any weather. Only in the event of extreme weather (for example, snow or hazardous lightning or continuous rain/muddy conditions) will class be cancelled.)

· Recommended: Clipboard, hat, fanny pack/hip pack/backpack to carry some of your gear. Juggling the heavy book, manual, pencil, and phone is tough enough and you’ll want somewhere to tuck your hand lens, supplemental materials, and any extra clothing layers.

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.

Colorado State University Extension is an equal opportunity provider. Colorado State University does not discriminate on the basis of disability and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations. CSU’s Office of Engagement and Extension ensures meaningful access and equal opportunities to participate to individuals whose first language is not English.

Colorado State University Extension es un proveedor que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades. Colorado State University no discrimina por motivos de discapacidad y se compromete a proporcionar adaptaciones razonables. Office of Engagement and Extension de CSU garantiza acceso significativo e igualdad de oportunidades para participar a las personas quienes su primer idioma no es el inglés.

English is the official language and authoritative version of all federal information. Col.st/ll0t3

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center - River Campus, 5200 Nature Center Road, Pueblo, United States

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