Colorado Native Plant Master: Ute Indian Ethnobotany: Session 1

Native Plant Master Program

The Native Plant Master® (NPM) Program is an award winning, non‐credit, educational program offered by various county Extension offices through Colorado State University Extension.

Native Plant Master Course Themes

Native Plant Master (NPM) Ute Ethnobotany course is made up of two sessions. The following criteria will be discussed in relationship to plants discussed in the course.
Botanical characteristics of plant families and species, identification using a botanical key, scientific names, and stewardship of native plants.
Ecological relationships of native plants and to wildlife, pollinators, other plants, etc.
Human uses of native plants, classifications, and potential use in landscaping.

Schedule: This is a two day course with each session meeting for 2 hours each time.

Both days will be hosted at the Ute Learning Garden at the Mesa County CSU Extension office.

Course Content: This class was designed to be a entry level course for beginner botanists. We will focus entirely on native plants used by the Ute Indian Tribe. Participants will learn key terms and features used to identify plants. We will discuss ethnobotanical uses of plants by the Ute Indian Tribe. Participants will be introduced to roughly 20 native plants, using plant family traits, key features and plant anatomy. Ecological relationships, human connections and the potential for us in landscaping will be discussed.

Materials provided to enrolled participants:

(1) Field training manual.

Native Plant Master: This class will deviate from typical NPM classes as we will only be meeting twice, will not have an exam, and will focus entirely on ethnobotanical uses of plants. This class does not count toward the Native Plant Master Certificate.

Learn more about the NPM program and courses offered around the state.

Suggested Materials: Flora of Colorado by Jennifer Ackerfield 2nd edition (2024) is suggested for this class. Mesa County Extension office has copies of the book for sale. The book is also available through the Colorado Native Plant Society bookstore (https://conps.org/conps-store), local and online retail outlets, and the publisher (800-621-2736). Please be sure to buy the newest edition.

Book rental: You can rent Flora of Colorado, 2nd Edition, through CSU Tri-River Area Extension for the duration of a course. (Book is returned at the last session.) The fee is $15 per course. Please contact 970-244-1834 if you are interested in renting a book.

Additional recommended materials to bring to each class:
(1) Plant Identification Terminology an illustrated Glossary by Harris and Harris.
(2) Pencil, highlighter, or page flags
(3) Water and snacks
(4) Warm clothing, sunscreen, rain/wind protection, and good hiking shoes

When/Where to Meet:

Both days will be hosted at the Ute Learning Garden at the Mesa County CSU Extension office.

Special Instructions: Courses will be outside. Travel on compacted pathways will be required. Please bring appropriate clothing, equipment, footwear, etc. so that you will be comfortable in a variety of weather and conditions. Restrooms are available in the Extension office.

Accessibility: The garden pathways are level, hard-packed decomposed granite. If you have questions about accessibility or need anything in order to participate in this program, please contact Jeff Pieper (jeff.pieper@colostate.edu or 970-244-1834) at least 14 business days prior to the start of the first class.

Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity

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.

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Info: Meet at Mesa County CSU Extension office.

Info: Meet at Mesa County CSU Extension office.

Host or Publisher CSU EXtension