08.28.2025

CSU Extension and the Broomfield Library recently hosted a Cooking & Culture for Kids class at Brunner Farmhouse and Gardens. Participants harvested ingredients to make their own salsa!

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For Those Who Want a Green Thumb, Green School is an Option


Let’s face it - gardening in Colorado is hard! The good news? Whether you're new to Colorado, to gardening, or even if you consider yourself to be an experienced gardener, CSU Extension offers a course that can teach you the ins and outs of all things gardening. Our 16-class course covers everything you need to know to garden successfully in our unique climate. From Soils, Trees, Botany, Weed Management, Insects, Pruning, Irrigation... and a whole class dedicated to Colorado Gardening Challenges! Learn research-based, best practices for managing your landscape no matter where you garden in our state.  

 

“What can I expect?” you might ask... The fully online course offers live, virtual sessions weekly for those that like a guided learning experience. But the course can also be 100% self-paced as all sessions are recorded and available online for a full year. With this mix of online learning (up to date course content includes readings, videos, activities, and quizzes) and live review sessions with access to CSU horticulture and subject matter experts, you can gain knowledge to empower your gardening self, and get your gardening questions answered by experts in their fields. 


Considering applying? Make sure to take advantage of registering early. The course is offered only once annually and capped at 400 participants. Registering early not only secures your spot but also saves you money. There is an early bird price of $495 (if you register by 9/30/25), which means you can save $50. The regular price of $545 kicks in Oct. 1. Be an early bird to catch the gardening worm! (And please know that refunds cannot be made).  


Register and get more information at https://www.online.colostate.edu/certificates/green-school/


But wait - there’s more! A limited number of scholarships are available. To take advantage of this opportunity apply at https://colostate.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_81EArPIYrAG3kyO


Are you a Broomfield County employee? There’s even better news - county employees, through Extension’s partnership with Colorado counties, are eligible to register at a discounted rate of $270 until Oct. 30. You can email greenschool@colostate.edu for information and to register.  

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CSU Extension Offers Generative AI Workshop

Tuesday, Sept. 9, 6-6:45 p.m.

CSU Spur, Denver

Register to attend (in-person or virtually!)


Whether you're new to Artificial Intelligence or looking to deepen your knowledge, this workshop will be a fun, hands-on experience designed to spark your curiosity and creativity. AI isn't just for tech giants, it's powering the future of businesses and economies. Join this dynamic workshop designed for entrepreneurs, business owners, and curious minds who want to:

  • transform marketing and engagement
  • boost efficiency on a budget
  • learn from real success stories


The speaker is Extension Regional Specialist Xue "Alice" Dong, who holds an M.S. in AI & Machine Learning.

CSU Wildfire Research

Colorado State University has recently published or co-published two wildfire-related studies. One documents the increase in both the frequency and size of Colorado wildfires, and the other shows that stands of aspen trees may slow a fire's advance or change its course. Learn more about the studies on the Colorado State University Source website:

Colorado wildfires have become larger, more unpredictable

Research shows aspen forests slow wildfire spread


For updates on fires in Colorado and around the country, visit: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/.

Water Efficiency Programs

Time is quickly running out for this year's Broomfield Water Efficiency services, so don't delay if you want to take advantage of the Lawn Replacement Program or Slow the Flow Sprinkler Evaluations. Both are scheduled to end Sept. 26, but could go into early October, depending upon weather, staff and demand.


Visit Broomfield.org/SaveWater to learn more.

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Gardening Webinar: The Art of Insect Survival: Masters of Disguise and Flashy Warnings

Wednesday, Sept. 10, 12-1 p.m

Online, but must register


Join Mel Schreiner, CSU Extension Entomologist, for a fun journey into insect camouflage and aposematism! Explore how bugs blend in with surroundings, from mimicking leaves to masquerading as twigs. Discover their clever tricks and how humans draw inspiration, creating camouflage clothing and more! This webinar will be recorded and posted to PlantTalk.org/webinars a few days following the live presentation.

Broomfield Xeriscape Demonstration Garden Tour

Saturday, Sept. 13, 9-10:30 a.m.

Free, see map for directions


Don't miss this last guided tour of the season where local Master Gardeners will share information about the xeriscape plants and techniques demonstrated there. Learn more at compass.broomfield.org. Can't make the tour? The garden is open 24/7, every day of the year!

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Holiday Closure

The Broomfield Library, Arts, History and CSU Extension Department will be closed on Monday, Sept. 1 for the Labor Day holiday.


Broomfield CSU Extension's regular office hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

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Vegetable Garden Basics

Second and Fourth Thursdays - see below for times

Teaching Vegetable Garden at Brunner Farmhouse

Free, no registration required


Come learn the basics of vegetable gardening in Colorado! Classes will be held outside at the Teaching Vegetable Garden at Brunner Farmhouse. Learn about upcoming dates and topics:

Aug. 28, 6:30-7:30 p.m. - Beyond the Harvest

Sept. 11, 6-7 p.m. - Saving Vegetable Seeds

Sept. 25, 6-7 p.m. - End of Season Essentials

Ask a Master Gardener at Broomfield Days!

Saturday, Sept. 20

Midway Park


Planning on attending the 2025 Broomfield Days event? Be sure to stop by the Master Gardener Booth (Yellow 511-512). Volunteers will be on hand to answer horticulture-related questions, along with activities/prizes for all ages!


Learn more about Broomfield's biggest event of the year at broomfield.org/broomfield-days.

Cottage Foods Safety Training

Offered by Colorado State University Extension, this nationally-recognized training program covers the specifics of the Colorado Cottage Food Act and how to safely operate a food business from a home kitchen. The class, starting at $55.20, is next offered on these dates:

Thursday, Sept. 11, 12-3:30 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 19, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 25, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. IN-PERSON, Steamboat Springs

Friday, Oct. 3, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Find New Strategies for Picky Eaters

Are you looking for new ways to deal with the challenges of a picky eater? Logan County Extension Specialist Jaci Wagner offers great tips and strategies to help parents and caregivers navigate selective eating habits and reduce stress around mealtime.


Read the full article on the CSU Extension website.

Check out compass.broomfield.org for CSU Extension programs and events.

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Trees

Fireblight - PlantTalk 1411

Front Range Tree Recommendation List

How to Plant a Tree (video)

Iron Chlorosis in Trees - PlantTalk 2121

Insects

Grasshopper Control in Gardens and Small Acreages (CSU Extension)

Japanese Beetle (CSU Extension)

What's Killing Your Plants Video - Emerald Ash Borer

What's Killing Your Plants Video - Grasshoppers

What's Killing Your Plants Video - Japanese Beetles

What's Killing Your Plants Video - Squash Bugs and Organic Control

Lawn/Landscape

Broomfield Lawn Replacement Program

Broomfield Water Efficiency Programs

Lawn Care Basics (CSU Extension

Miniature Roses

Plant Select - Waterwise Plants and Designs

Vegetable Gardening

Colorado Vegetable Guide / Guia de Vegetales de Colorado

CSU Extension Gardening Webinars (and recordings)

Donating Homegrown Produce

Soil Testing

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Migratory Bird Day!

Join the Open Space and Trails Department on Monday, Sept 29 at the southern side of Plaster Reservoir from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Parking can be found at Legacy Park (2705 W 136th Ave). Learn about this year's theme, Shared Spaces, as we identify birds at one of the best bird habitats in the heart of Broomfield. Take a beginner-friendly birding tour around the reservoir and learn about migration and conservation practices from our local partners. This event is FREE of charge and needs NO registration! For more information please visit our event website at: Broomfield.org/MigratoryBirdDay.

Fall Family Preparedness

Disasters happen everywhere, and everyone can prepare. Fall can be a time to prepare for the new school year, the upcoming winter months and more, because preparedness for the future starts today. Whether you’re a kid or teen, a parent or loved one, or work with youth, check out Ready.gov’s tools for kids to help before, during and after disasters. For local guidance on preparation and response to potential hazards and threats before, during and after an event, visit the City and County of Broomfield’s Emergency Preparedness website.

September is Workforce Development Month

A variety of events are planned for job seekers and employers, including both virtual and in-person options during Workforce Development Month. Events include job readiness workshops, Advanced Workplace Communication and Influence, interview tips and tricks as well as a Multi-Industry Career and Networking Fair. Learn more about the magic that happens at the Broomfield Workforce Center and all about the events happening throughout the month at BroomfieldWorkforce.org

Yard Waste Drop Off

Broomfield residents can properly dispose of yard waste for free as they clean up their yards this fall. The Tree Branch Recycling Facility is now accepting more types of yard waste, including grass clippings, weeds and perennial flower clippings. Get more details on what is accepted and not accepted, hours and location at Broomfield.org/TreeBranch.


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Reach out to CSU Extension in Broomfield


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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.