Sandstone Ranch is a 2038-acre Open Space property nestled beneath the foothills in southern Douglas County. Montane, riparian and grassland environments define the property. The ranch was privately owned for generations and protected through the years, which allowed for plant species proliferation. In addition to plants that are usually seen at higher altitudes, plants that are considered uncommon in Colorado or have not been reported previously from Douglas County can be found at Sandstone Ranch.

Come explore and learn with us at this amazing facility. We will introduce you to 40-60 plants, using family features and a botanical key to help identify species. Ecological relationships, human connections and the potential to use some of these plants in your landscaping will be discussed. In addition, we will emphasize understanding noxious alien plants and the challenge they present to our native environment.

Trainers: Elizabeth Taylor’s father was a botany professor, but much to his dismay, she pursued college degrees and a career in zoology, wildlife management, and technical communication. It was not until she retired that she started following in his footsteps and became a Native Plant Master instructor. She is also a volunteer naturalist for Douglas County Open Space, and Douglas Land Conservancy and is on the Board of Directors for DLC.

Heather Koch has a Master of Science in Cell Biology and is a Certified Public Accountant. Since retirement she has focused her learning on the macro rather than the cellular side of biology, plants! Her volunteer work included the CSU Master Gardener Program, the Jefferson County Diagnostic Clinic, the Douglas Land Conservancy, Douglas County Open Space, and teaching in the Native Plant Master Program.

Barb Harbach is a volunteer naturalist for Douglas Land Conservancy (DLC) and Douglas County Open Space. She is a lifelong wildflower enthusiast and a certified Colorado Native Plant Master. She studied Biology in college, took a 180 turn, and obtained a degree in commercial art, working in that field for 25 years. Now retired, she guides plant and naturalist hikes and monitors plants for Douglas County Open Space.

Prerequisite: A basic botany class is suggested for those who would like to refresh their botanical knowledge and is highly recommended for those who have minimal background. 

Native Plant Master: Participants who pass three NPM courses will receive a Colorado Flora Certificate. For accepted volunteers, 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 Textbook: Flora of Colorado by Jennifer Ackerfield 2015 Edition 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: For the initial class, meet at 8:15 AM. Class begins at 8:30 AM sharp. Students will be given instructions about where to meet on Sandstone Ranch Open Space prior to the class.

Directions: Via Interstate 25 traveling south: Just south of Castle Rock, CO, take exit 181, Plum Creek Parkway/Frontage Rd. Go straight through the light at the intersection of Plum Creek Parkway and the freeway exit onto the west side Frontage Rd. Continue for approximately 5 miles south on Frontage Rd. to Tomah Rd. Turn right onto Tomah Rd. Continue for 4 miles to the “T” intersection with CO 105/Perry Park Rd. Turn left and drive 3.2 miles. Red Rock Dr., the road into Perry Park Subdivision, will come up on your right. Do not turn onto Red Rock Dr. and do not follow CO 105 as it makes a broad curve to your left. That eventually leads to the new public parking lot and entrance to Sandstone Ranch Open Space. We will not be using that entrance. Instead, make a slight right onto the second gravel road just beyond Red Rock Dr. The road will have a drop-down gate which we will have open. We will meet you at the gate and lead you onto the property as a group. Before the date of the first class, participants will be provided with more detailed instructions for driving into Sandstone Ranch along with where to park.

What to Bring: Flora of Colorado by Jennifer Ackerfield 2015 Edition; hand lens (10X or greater) available through https://conps.org/conps-store; daypack; bug spray; water; sack lunch; rain, sun, wind protection; personal restroom items.

Special Instructions: Please note the class will be held on an area of Sandstone Ranch Open Space that is accessible by permit only. No other guest will be allowed in that area during the class. Please come prepared for moderate to strenuous walking on hot, cold, windy, snowy or rainy days. Class will meet regardless of weather conditions.

Location Address (not a reliable method of finding the property by GPS; follow instructions provided):

8309 S. County Highway 105

Larkspur, CO 80118