Introduction to wetland ecology and EVCs

Description

Introduction to wetland ecology and EVCs

A short day course, primarily for ecological consultants and related practitioners focusing on wetland Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVC), with visits to local examples of EVCs. Introduction to vegetation pattern and ecological drivers of wetland vegetation. Including considerations for identifying Seasonal Herbaceous Wetlands and interpreting seasonal variation.

The course will be run by Doug Frood, a botanical expert with more than 40 years experience. His notable experience includes State-wide survey of wetland vegetation in the early 1990s, which formed the basis for his compilation of an EVC typology for Victorian wetlands and development of a simple EVC-based condition assessment methodology for wetland vegetation, the Index of Wetland Condition (IWC).

Doug Frood (credit: Annette Ruzicka Photography)

Indoor Component:

• Identifying Wetland EVCs.

• Characteristics: structure, floristics, cohorts and habitat features.

• Cohorts: based on ecological traits (including hydrology, salinity, fertility, climate, character species), parallels to other classifications related to life-form and water regime indicators.

• Pattern types (Complex, Mosaic and Aggregate) and temporal variation (including seasonality).

• Summary of wetland EVCs of the Victorian Volcanic Plains.

Field Component:

• Visit to example of high-quality Seasonal Herbaceous Wetland and interpretation of identifying characteristics and indicator species.

• Interpretation of altered processes reflected in the vegetation as a consequence of stormwater inputs.

• The field visit will take place at the Gisborne Marshlands, a remarkable wetland ecosystem that supports a range of threatened flora and fauna. Nestled at the foothills of the Macedon Ranges, this unique wetland is located surprisingly close to Melbourne. More info can be found here.

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DETAILS

When: Friday 30 October 2026, all day

Starting location (indoor): 9:00am - Macedon Community Centre (Tony Clarke Recreation Reserve), 37 Waterfalls Road, Macedon 3440. Google maps pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pXKo2QZkmpo9r6Fg6

Field component: 1:00pm - Gisborne Racecourse Marshlands Reserve, 2 Webb Cres, New Gisborne VIC 3438. Google maps pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/unV8zYLSSwos4mmW6

BYO morning tea and lunch. Plus all snacks, water, gum boots, wet weather gear, binoculars and/or sun protection as appropriate. There will be time to get lunch nearby if needed.

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TICKETS

ECA Vic Members: $140 – please book through our membership portal (Events – member price)

Non-Members: $170 (please find a membership discount offer below)

REGISTRATIONS

We may need to limit the number of people registering but if the course fills up, we may look to running another event.

Not a member? We are offering a 20% discount on membership for this event!

1. Email us on admin@ecavic.org.au

2. Receive your 20% discount code

3. Save 20% on your membership, get 50% off your ticket, and enjoy many other benefits - more details below.

The Membership Discount offer is aimed at new members and can only be used once in a lifetime.

Banner Photo: Brady Swamp, Credit: Nic McCaffrey.