This calendar is a list of all public event and classes offered by Arapahoe County Extension. Some of the virtual classes may be offered by Extension offices in partnering counties. Other events may be offered that are closed to the public and available to program participants (e.g. 4-H members, Colorado Master Gardeners). Click here if you are interested in becoming a 4-H member, Colorado Master Gardener or Native Plant Master volunteer.
You may also request a program for your organization or school. Options for adults are youth are available.
- Family and Consumer Sciences (food preservation, food safety, nutrition, health, family financial management, etc.)
- Horticulture (yard, gardening, trees, insects, etc.)
- 4-H School and Community programs (embryology, in-school, after school, summer camps, kit programs, etc.)
For questions, please email CSU-Extension@arapahoegov.com or call the office at 303-730-1920.
To view other great programs Arapahoe County Extension has offered, please visit our Past Events page!
March
Money Habitudes IN_PERSON – March 27, 6:30 p.m.- 7:45 p.m This FREE session is designed as a fun interactive and constructive way to learn about our habits and attitudes (Habitudes) about money. Participants will discover the how, why, and when they spend, save, give, or invest. This program promotes conversations with partners/families to encourage positive financial relationship skills. For ages 12 and up. Family participation is encouraged (for age-appropriate materials a separate registration for each individual is required). Pre-register at least 3 days in advance. Class is located at Standley Lake Library – Jefferson County Public Library8485 Kipling Street, Arvada, CO, 80005 Email Sheila Gains (Sgains@arapahoegov.com) for more information.
Food Preservation Fermenting Kimchi IN_PERSON – March 28, 6:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m In this class you will learn the principles and benefits of vegetable fermentation. Participate in a hands-on activity of starting a Kim Chi ferment that you take home to finish. Price includes taking home a Kimchi start, and directions for making Kimchi, fermented pickles and sauerkraut. Pre-register at least 5 days in advance, so we have enough materials and equipment for everyone to participate. Class is located Jefferson County Extension, 15200 W 6th Ave., Suite C, Golden, CO 80401. Email Sheila Gains (Sgains@arapahoegov.com) for more information.
April 2023
Hot Water Bath Preserving Blueberry Jam IN_PERSON – April 5, 6:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m In this class we will cover the basics of using a “Boiling Water Bath Canner” to preserve high acid foods a high elevation. Watch a live demonstration of making and canning blueberry jam in a boiling water bath canner. Price includes taking home, directions, recipes, and a small jar of blueberry jam that we can in class. Jars will be too hot to take home the day of class, so plan to come back and pick it up later. Pre-register at least 5 days in advance, so we have enough materials and equipment for everyone to participate. Class is located Jefferson County Extension, 15200 W 6th Ave., Suite C, Golden, CO 80401. Email Sheila Gains (Sgains@arapahoegov.com) for more information.
Evidence and Opinion for Xeriscape Practices – April 7, 12 p.m.- 1:00 p.m FREE Via Zoom. With so much information out there, it’s hard to know how to successfully create and maintain a xeric landscape. John Murgel, CSU Extension Horticulture Specialist for Douglas County, will help you make sense of it all with this class on proven xeric practices. Register HERE
Tremendous Tomatoes – April 12, 12 p.m.- 1:00 p.m FREE Via Zoom. Learn everything you wanted to know about growing tomatoes with Cassey Anderson. Register HERE
Right Plant, Right Place for Low-Water Landscapes – April 14, 12 p.m.- 1:00 p.m FREE Via Zoom. Join Alison O’Connor and Amy Lentz, CSU Extension Horticulture Specialists in Larimer and Weld County, as they highlight a variety of perennials, shrubs and trees that work well in low-water landscapes. Register HERE
Earth Day – Feed the Pollinators, Feed the Earth– April 20, 6 p.m.- 8:00 p.m FREE Via Zoom via Resource Center. This Earth Day we will explore the biodiversity of local pollinators and how they help contribute to a healthy ecosystem! Learn how to plant, maintain, and care for pollinator’s habitats in your own garden. Pollinators are essential for all life on Earth, so learn from Cassey Anderson all about how to support these creatures. Register HERE
Beetles Buggin’ You? Strategies for Managing Emerald Ash Borer and Japanese Beetles April 21, 12 p.m.- 1:00 p.m FREE Via Zoom. Landscapes can often be attacked by unwanted pests. Join Lisa Mason, CSU Extension Horticulture Specialist in Arapahoe County to learn more about two invasive species: Japanese beetles and emerald ash borers. We’ll cover the lifecycles and current management options to help you make the best decisions for your landscape. Register HERE
Cottage Foods Safety Training – April 21, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Learn food safety guidelines and the specifics of operating a home-based cottage food business. Upon completion of the webinar and exam, receive a 3 year food safety certificate. Email Sheila Gains (Sgains@arapahoegov.com) for more information. Registration closes 4 days prior to the event.
Edible Gardening – April 28, 12 p.m.- 1:00 p.m FREE Via Zoom. Make the most of your landscape by incorporating edible plants. Join Cassey Anderson, CSU Extension Horticulture Specialist in Adams County, as she helps you create a bounty that is both beautiful and tasty! Register HERE
May 2023
Cottage Foods Safety Training –May 5, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Learn food safety guidelines and the specifics of operating a home-based cottage food business. Upon completion of the webinar and exam, receive a 3 year food safety certificate. Email Sheila Gains (Sgains@arapahoegov.com) for more information. Registration closes 4 days prior to the event.
All About Trees –May 5, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. FREE via Zoom Join Eric Hammond, CSU Extension Horticulture Specialist and Director for Adams County, to learn more about successfully planting and caring for your landscape trees with success in Colorado! Register HERE
Insects Who Share the Garden –May 9, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. FREE via Zoom via Resource Central How many aphids can a ladybug eat? Join Lisa Mason, Horticulture Specialist and Entomologist with CSU Extension in Arapahoe County, to find out! Insects provide a variety of benefits in our gardens and landscapes, from pest control to pollinators. Learn about the many beneficial insects you’ll find in your garden, and some of the pests you may encounter. We will discuss strategies for attracting beneficial insects and options for controlling some of the garden pests. Register HERE
A Colorado Insect Update – May 10, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. FREE via Zoom Join Professor Emeritus Dr. Whitney Cranshaw to learn about timely insect information. Register HERE
Nature Walk N’ Talk – May 17, 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. FREE Join us for a Nature Walk N’ Talk with Denver Audubon and CSU Extension in Arapahoe County. We will explore birds, plants, insects, and other wildlife in our ecosystem. This interpretative, short hike is perfect for families of all ages. We will meet at the 17 Mile House Farm Park, a 155-year old farm which served as an important resting stop for pioneers traveling on the Cherokee/Smoky Hill wagon trails in the 1860’s. Registration COMING SOON
June 2023
What’s the Buzz on Pollinators?– June 1, 6:00.- 8:00 p.m FREE Via Zoom via Resource Center. Humans depend on pollinators for about 1/3rd of our diet, and the most nutritious part of our diet, including vegetables, fruits and nuts. In Colorado, we have over 900 species of bees, 250 species of butterflies, approximately 1,000 species of moths, and more! How can we best support them? Join Lisa Mason, Horticulture Specialist and Entomologist with CSU Extension in Arapahoe County, to learn the basics on pollinators and how we can provide habitat for them in our own landscapes. Register HERE
Urban Ranchers Day Camp –June 6-9, 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Join us for a fun filled adventure at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds. The Urban Rancher Camp brings the farm to urban kids. Camp is for youth 8-13. Youth learn first-hand about agriculture, livestock, and animal care and husbandry. Youth will learn how to care for and handle several animals throughout the camp. Camp counselors will lead daily games and projects which will help youth explore where their food comes from. Camp runs from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM each day. On Friday, campers will show off their new farm skills for parents and friends and we will celebrate at a cook out from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM. Registration closes May 5. Cost: $100, plus Eventbrite fees. Only 15 spots available
Native Plant Master Course at Roxbourough State Park – June 6, 13 and 20th 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. $90 Registration COMING SOON
Eco-Explorers Summer Camp – Thursdays, June 8-July 13 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Overnight Program July 19-20. Join Adams and Arapahoe 4-H at the Adams County Fairgrounds for a nature-based camp program for youth in 6th-8th grades. In this program, youth will explore parks, open spaces, and trails around the Front Range, such as Barr Lake, Lookout Mountain, & Lair o’ the Bear while learning about habitats, insects, fish, water bodies, outdoor ethics, & more. Youth will be guided in the practices of scientific inquiry & nature journaling. The culminating experience of Eco-Explorers is an overnight camping experience at the Colorado State University Mountain Campus near Rustic, CO. Registration fee – $130. Scholarships available. Registration closes – April 18. Link to registration – Eco-Explorers Camp
Native Colorado Pollinators?– June 14, 12:00- 1:00 p.m FREE Via Zoom Join CSU Extension Horticulture Specialist, Lisa Mason to learn about native polliantors in your own backyard. We will discuss how to create habitat to support them. Register HERE
Cottage Foods Safety Training –June 16, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Learn food safety guidelines and the specifics of operating a home-based cottage food business. Upon completion of the webinar and exam, receive a 3 year food safety certificate. Email Sheila Gains (Sgains@arapahoegov.com) for more information. Registration. closes 4 days prior to the event.
Native Plant Master Course at Plains Conservation Center – June 16, 23 and 30th 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. $90 Registration COMING SOON
Naturaleza en el Parque – Bilingual Nature Walk – June 17 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.. FREE
Location TBD
Registration COMING SOON
Crazy Critters Day Camp –June 13-16, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Join us for a WILD summer day camp for ages 7-9. Youth will have a chance to learn about both, along with environmental science, zoology, entomology & more. Camp registration includes admission and transportation to off-site locations a camp t-shirt, snacks, and activities. Campers will need to pack a lunch each day. Camp will run from 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM at the Arapahoe County Extension Office. Make sure to sign up today – space is limited to 12 participants on a first come, first serve basis. Registration will close May 5. Camp fee – $115, plus Eventbrite fees.
Nature Walk N’ Talk – June 21, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. FREE Join us for a Nature Walk N’ Talk with Denver Audubon and CSU Extension in Arapahoe County. We will explore birds, plants, insects, and other wildlife in our ecosystem. This interpretative, short hike is perfect for families of all ages. Location TBD Registration COMING SOON
Native Plant Master Course at Dawson Butte – June 22, 29 and July 9th 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. $90 Registration COMING SOON
Animal Science Day Camp–June 27-30, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. – Join us June 27th through 30th at the Arapahoe County CSU Extension Office. Camp is open to youth ages 14-17. The Animal Science Camp will introduce high school age students to animal science careers, explore local animal science companies and organizations, tour CSU’s vet school, visit CSU SPUR, and learn more about the science of horse and livestock husbandry. Camp runs from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM each day. Camp registration includes transportation to off-site locations, lunch, and camp supplies. Make sure to sign up today – space is limited to 12 participants on a first come, first serve basis. Registration will close May 5. Camp fee – $115, plus Eventbrite fees.
July 2023
Sustainable Landscaping – July 12, 12 p.m.- 1:00 p.m FREE Via Zoom. Learn about how you can create a more sustainable landscape from Deryn Davidson, CSU Extension Sustainable Landscape Specialist. Register HERE
Naturaleza en el Parque – Bilingual Nature Walk – July 15 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.. FREE
Location TBD
Registration COMING SOON
Nature Walk N’ Talk – July 19, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. FREE Join us for a Nature Walk N’ Talk with Denver Audubon and CSU Extension in Arapahoe County. We will explore birds, plants, insects, and other wildlife in our ecosystem. This interpretative, short hike is perfect for families of all ages. Location TBD Registration COMING SOON
Cottage Foods Safety Training –July 12, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Learn food safety guidelines and the specifics of operating a home-based cottage food business. Upon completion of the webinar and exam, receive a 3 year food safety certificate. Email Sheila Gains (Sgains@arapahoegov.com) for more information. Registration. closes 4 days prior to the event.
August 2023
Nature Walk N’ Talk – August 2, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. FREE Join us for a Nature Walk N’ Talk with Denver Audubon and CSU Extension in Arapahoe County. We will explore birds, plants, insects, and other wildlife in our ecosystem. This interpretative, short hike is perfect for families of all ages. Location TBD Registration COMING SOON
Perennials and Fall Planting – August 7, 6 p.m.- 8:00 p.m FREE Via Zoom Resource Center. Join Alison O’Connor, CSU Extension in Larimer County, to delve into perennial maintenance and care. Alison will cover the best time to divide perennials, planting in spring and fall and tips on keeping your perennials healthy and blooming. She will be answering questions about fall planting and some of the best plants for high elevations. Register HERE
Summer Turf Woes – August 7, 12 p.m.- 1:00 p.m FREE Via Zoom. Tune in to turf Specialist Dr. Tony Koski to learn more about manging turf in the heat of the summer. Register HERE
Cottage Foods Safety Training –August 18, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Learn food safety guidelines and the specifics of operating a home-based cottage food business. Upon completion of the webinar and exam, receive a 3 year food safety certificate. Email Sheila Gains (Sgains@arapahoegov.com) for more information. Registration closes 4 days prior to the event.
Naturaleza en el Parque – Bilingual Nature Walk – August 26 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.. FREE
Location TBD
Registration COMING SOON
September 2023
STEP into these Trees– September 13, 12 p.m.- 1:00 p.m FREE Via Zoom. Tree experts Alison O’Connor and Amy Lentz with CSU Extension will share specific trees that grow well in Colorado. Register HERE
Nature Walk N’ Talk – September 20, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. FREE Join us for a Nature Walk N’ Talk with Denver Audubon and CSU Extension in Arapahoe County. We will explore birds, plants, insects, and other wildlife in our ecosystem. This interpretative, short hike is perfect for families of all ages. Location TBD Registration COMING SOON
Cottage Foods Safety Training IN-PERSON –August 18, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Learn food safety guidelines and the specifics of operating a home-based cottage food business. Upon completion of the webinar and exam, receive a 3 year food safety certificate. Class is located at Arapahoe County Extension office, 6934 S, Lima St., Suite B, Centennial, CO 80112. Email Sheila Gains (Sgains@arapahoegov.com) for more information. Registration closes 4 days prior to the event.
October
Plants that will kill you!– October 11, 12 p.m.- 1:00 p.m FREE Via Zoom. Right in time for Halloween, join John Murgel, CSU Extension Horticulture Specialist for a fun presentation on plants that are deadly to humans. Register HERE
Nature Walk N’ Talk – October 18, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. FREE Join us for a Nature Walk N’ Talk with Denver Audubon and CSU Extension in Arapahoe County. We will explore birds, plants, insects, and other wildlife in our ecosystem. This interpretative, short hike is perfect for families of all ages. Location TBD Registration COMING SOON
November
A Gardening Year-in-Review– November 8, 12 p.m.- 1:00 p.m FREE Via Zoom. How did your gardening season go? Learn more about some of the trends seen in 2023 from horticulture specialist, Amy Lentz, Tony Koski, and Alison O’Connor. Register HERE
Nature Walk N’ Talk – November 15, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. FREE Join us for a Nature Walk N’ Talk with Denver Audubon and CSU Extension in Arapahoe County. We will explore birds, plants, insects, and other wildlife in our ecosystem. This interpretative, short hike is perfect for families of all ages. Location TBD Registration COMING SOON
December
Nature Walk N’ Talk – December 13, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. FREE Join us for a Nature Walk N’ Talk with Denver Audubon and CSU Extension in Arapahoe County. We will explore birds, plants, insects, and other wildlife in our ecosystem. This interpretative, short hike is perfect for families of all ages. Location TBD Registration COMING SOON
Fresh New Gardening Myths– December 13, 12 p.m.- 1:00 p.m FREE Via Zoom. Gardening in Colorado can be a challenge. Learn how to be a better gardener by avoiding common gardening myths from CSU Extension Horticulture Specialist, Alison O’Connor. Register HERE
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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