The Colorado State University (CSU) Extension Center will be holding Landowner Basics 101 classes every Tuesday in April. The program will cover a diverse range of topics geared towards educating new landowners on proper stewardship, and how to be mindful of local resources, while learning key management principles for care of personal property.
This first class, Weed Management, taught by County Weed & Pest Supervisor Ethan Proud, will be held on April 1st, beginning at 6p.m. Proud will cover landowner noxious weed responsibilities, local and state laws governing noxious weeds, and integrated management. “Property owners in Colorado have a responsibility to act as stewards of the land,” says Proud. “Removing and managing invasive plant species is a critical step to promoting healthy landscapes for native plant species, pollinators, and wildlife.”
Future classes include Water Basics on April 9, Living with Wildlife, April 16, Forest Fire Mitigation and Evacation Planning, April 23 and finally, on April 30, Range and Soil Health.
“Being a good steward of your land not only helps you, but your neighbors too,” commented CSU Director Robin Young. “Understanding how to work with the land and its resources, is imperative to conservation for generations to come.”
Last year’s workshop received great feedback from residents, saying it was “so informative” and “(as) a new landowner, I now understand a lot more on how to manage my resources.”
Hosted by the CSU Extension office, classes are sponsored by San Juan Conservation District making them free to the public. Each class will begin at 6p.m., lasting for approximately two hours. The program will be held at the CSU Extension Office, 344 Highway 84 in Pagosa Springs.
CSU Extension staff does request interested parties register by emailing Robin Young, robin.young@colostate.edu, or by calling 970-264- 5931.