Show All Answers

1. Gardening

Plant Care

Classes, resources, and advice about caring for garden plants and diagnosing and managing disease is offered by Jefferson County CSU Extension. If you have questions about your plants, certified Master Gardeners are available May-September through a hotline 303-271-6632 or over email [email protected].

The on-site walk-in plant diagnostic clinic, offers a diagnosis of fungal and bacterial infection, viruses, and pine wilt nematode detection. Visit the plant diagnostic clinic website for instructions on bringing a sample and information about services and fees.

CSU Extension also offers LawnCheck services to evaluate the health of your lawn.

Jefferson County CSU Extension office manages an on-site Research and Demonstration Garden with educational displays of water-wise and climate tested plants as well as ongoing garden plant research. Contact CSU Extension to find more information and education opportunities.

Native Plant Gardening

Gardening and landscaping with native plants helps manage noxious weeds and provides food for native birds and beneficial insects. Jefferson County CSU Extension Natural Resources program offers an inclusive list of resources helpful to planning and caring for a native plant garden, including low-water native plant guides, plant reference lists, and a plant sourcing guide. The Native Plant Master Program from CSU Extension is another way to learn about native plants through classes, certifications, and volunteer opportunities.

For large acre native plant projects, Jefferson Conservation District offers education and technical assistance to help landowners use native plants to address noxious weed issues. Jefferson Conservation District also offers native grass and wildflower seeds for purchase. These seeds are selected for species that thrive in Jefferson County’s native plant communities and soil types. Jefferson Conservation District is available at 720-661-1738. 

Colorado Native Plant Society is a nonprofit organization that provides a variety of resources on Colorado native plants. They have information on how to garden with native plants, provide photos and habitat information on the different life zones in Colorado, and they offer a plant database. They also have seminars on topics such as plant identification in the winter, how to design a garden, and high altitude gardening. 

The Denver Botanic Gardens website has water-wise resources that teach how to conserve water while maintaining a thriving garden. They offer seminars on topics such as gardening for pollinators and the seven principles of water-smart gardening. 

Plant Select is a nonprofit organization that collaborates with CSU and the Denver Botanic Gardens to provide information on non-invasive plants that are sustainable in the high plains and intermountain regions of Colorado. Their website offers free garden designs, detailed information on recommended flora, and a video series on gardening topics. 

Garden Pests and Disease

The Colorado State Forest Service provides extensive reports and data on pests and plant disease across the state, as well as those specific to the Golden area. The Forest Service also provides additional resources for homeowners to manage forest pests on their land. 

Jeffco Invasive Species Management provides extensive resources and offers solutions relating to the identification, eradication, and control of noxious weeds and pests.

Food Preservation

Jefferson County CSU Extension offers classes on food preservation and safety to help you get the most out of your home garden.

2. Plant Identification and Botany

Native Plants

CSU Extension’s Native Plant Master Program provides courses, certifications, and volunteer opportunities to learn identification and ecology of plants native to the area. CSU Extension also provides extensive resources related to identifying and planting native plants.

Weed Identification

Jeffco Invasive Species Management provides invasive species education and awareness to landowners and ensures compliance with the Colorado Noxious Weed Act. Head to their website for information and resources for identifying, managing, and preventing weed infestations. Jefferson Conservation District offers additional workshops and technical assistance for large-acreage weed projects. Jefferson Conservation District is available at 720-661-1738. CSU Extension’s Small Acreage Management program maintains additional information and up-to-date resources about understanding managing weeds in Colorado.

3. Ranching

Ranching for Wildlife

The Ranching for Wildlife program is a wildlife management partnership between ranchers and hunters. Ranchers provide hunting access to their land free of charge to those who draw licenses. Participating ranchers are required to improve habitat on their ranch for game and non-game animals.

Livestock

CSU Extension's Small Acreage Management program houses the latest resources and guidelines for managing livestock, poultry, and manure on small acreage properties in Colorado.

Game Damage Compensation

The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Game Damage program compensates ranchers and landowners for damage caused by big game animals. Information about game damage prevention, qualifying for reimbursement, and filing a claim can be found here.

4. Urban Agriculture

Urban Agriculture

Jefferson Conservation District (JCD) provides conservation education and planning services to urban farmers interested in topics such as high-tunnels, soil health, cover crops, pasture management, and irrigation. JCD can help search for funding assistance where appropriate. Services are provided in partnership with NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service). JCD is available at 720-661-1738.

For new farmers and ranchers looking to expand their business, CSU Extension provides research-based information and education on urban agriculture, and offers a series of evening classes to help new farmers and ranchers build sustainable businesses.

The Small Acreage Management program from CSU Extension and the U.S. Department of Agriculture acts as an additional resource for landowners to find educational materials and connect to resources and services. You can find information about livestock, pasture/range management, soil, crops, weeds, and more on their website.

Equipment Rental

In partnership with GoFarm, Jefferson Conservation District rents small equipment (such as roto-tiller, seeder, broadfork) to urban farmers.

Food Preservation

Jefferson County CSU Extension offers classes on food preservation and safety to help you get the most out of your home garden or hobby farm.