For anyone interested in wetland plant identification and ecology.
Observe the changing seasons and water depths of the stunning Reedy Lagoon, Gunbower Island over a 6 month period. Each of the 3 days will focus on a different wetland habitat (wetting and drying) and associated plant community.
Course Dates
The course runs over 3 separate days with each day running from 9.00am - 4.30pm:
Session 1 Wednesdays
Day 1: Wednesday 30 October 2019
Day 2: Wednesday 4 December 2019
Day 3: Wednesday 18 March 2020
Session 2 - Thursdays
Day 1: Thursday 31 October 2019
Day 2: Thursday 5 December 2019
Day 3: Thursday 19 March 2020
Course Content
- Participants will be provided with a colour wetland plant Identification field guide designed to assist with easy identification of the most common wetland plants.
- At least 60% of the course will be run in the field identifying plants and discussing ecological drivers.
- Practice using oral keys.
- Examine different wetland vegetation zones, the plant types that grow within them and what influences them (hydrology, soil type, water chemistry etc).
- Observe the same site as it transitions through the hydrological phases of; full, draw-down and drying.
- Briefly relate how wetland plant ecology links to fauna, wetland connectivity, temporal variability (seasonal and annual) and nutrient cycling.
Course Presenters
Damien Cook is one of Victoria’s leading wetland experts and SERA Restoration Excellence Award winner November 2016. Damien provides wetland expertise in the form of plant surveys, wetland condition assessments and wetland management planning for state government agencies across Victoria. Damien has been instrumental in planning and delivering some of the largestand most complex ecological restoration projects to date in Australia.
Course Presenter and Facilitator
Elaine Bayes has been working as an environmental researcher, scientist and educator since 1994.
Course Structure
Each day is divided into: field trip using the coloured field guide to identify wetland plants and class time for presentations, discussion and practice using oral keys. Lunch, morning and afternoon tea provided.
Cost
$800 plus GST ($880)
$600 Student/Landcare plus GST ($660) (places strictly limited)
Course Location
Treetops, Spencer’s Bridge Road (off Cohuna-Koondrook Rd), Cohuna, Victoria which is located on the banks of Gunbower Creek. Field work will be conducted at Reedy Lagoon or nearby wetland and timed to follow environmental water delivery to ensure wetland plants are at their peak.
Further information
Book quick there are only 25 places available.
For alternative payment methods, or for any more information on course content or other training needs, contact us >here and we will reply as soon as possible.
Environmental ethics: All notes are printed on post consumer waste. Printing is by Autocopy Gisborne, a not for profit disability support service. Food for the course is mostly organic, locally gleaned, vegetarian and gluten free. See website for more information rakali.com.au