Courses

Native Plant Master courses

The Native Plant Master Field Courses take place over twelve hours and three sessions. The course will cover more than thirty-five plants, of which nine will be keyed in the field.

Each Field Course session will focus on an educational native plant and ecological topic.

Red Indian paintbrush flowers in a mountain meadow at sunset, with hills and trees in the distance.

Close-up of a purple daisy-like flower with narrow petals and a bright yellow center, set against a dark green background.

Certification requirements

Participants who pass exams from three different Field Courses (covering a variety of life zones or seasons) with a C or better will receive an NPM certificate of completion, signifying they have successfully completed three courses totaling thirty-six hours of class time.

View all 2026 Native Plant Master classes

Courses and registration links will be updated as they become available. Exact field locations and meeting details will be shared with registered participants.

Questions? Contact the applicable county extension office.

Course materials

Required materials:
All class participants must bring Flora of Colorado, 2nd Edition by Jennifer Ackerfield to each class.

Optional materials:

NPM manual (you will receive at your first class)
10X-magnification hand lens
Measuring device that shows decimeter measurements
Pencil
Water and snacks
Warm clothing, sunscreen, rain gear (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)