2025 NPM Course at Aurora Reservoir - June 18, 25, & July 2; 7:30am-12:00pm

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:

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.

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 (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 be acceptable also.

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:

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 hike can 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.

ADDITIONAL INFO:

Handouts including plant lists and online references will be provided.

If you are interested in this course but the fee is a barrier, please reach out to [email protected] to ask about our scholarship opportunities.

Host or Publisher Foothills to Plains Native Plant Master Program