Landscape Restoration and Indigenous Ecology (8 sessions)

Melbourne is one of the most livable cities in the world, host to rich biodiversity, parks, gardens and waterways. We are facing future challenges of climate change and competing land, which puts pressure on these natural environments.

The landscaping industry is working towards addressing the growing need for
workers to have key skills in ecology and ecological sustainability during the
design and construction phases of landscaping.  The Conservation and Land
Management industry recognises changes need to be made to practices in
land management, restoration projects and cultural inclusion. 

This course aims to connect you with the nature and biodiversity that makes up our local city and includes guest presenters such as Uncle Dave Wandin, Merri Creek Management Committee and other industry experts. You will gain a broad range of introductory skills, knowledge and insights that will equip you to take on further study and work in the Conservation and Land Management, Parks and Gardens and Sustainable Landscape fields.  The course includes industry connections, designed to meet the changing Landscaping and Conservation & Land Management industries, which recognise a need for ecological sustainability knowledge and cultural inclusion.

This 8-week course has been designed to provide an introduction to:

• conserving ecosystems as an integral part of the conservation and land management industry, and 

• designing and creating sustainable urban landscapes as part of the landscape design and construction industry

Students will: 

• Develop an understanding of ecology & conservation in urban environments. 
• Be in, learn from and connect with nature. 
• Explore 1st Nations ecological perspectives and connection to place. 
• Gain knowledge of indigenous. plants and skills in creating habitats
• Understand pathways and opportunities in landscaping / conservation / parks & gardens

The course incorporates topics such as Nature Connection, Indigenous Land Management, Collecting and preserving native samples and seeds, Propagation, Natural Area Restoration, Soil and Water Conservation, Ecology in landscaping, Greening City Landscapes and Community Action and Engagement. 

Course Sessions:

Session 1: Indigenous perspectives and understanding the landscape

Session 2. Plant Identification and Collection

Session 3. Natural Area Restoration

Session 4. Seed Collection & Plant Propagation

Session 5. Soil & Water Conservation and Climate Change Planning

Session 6. Ecology in Landscaping / Creating Natural Landscapes

Session 7. City Landscapes and Green Infrastructure

Session 8. Pathways - Industry Mentors - Next Steps

* This is an ACFE Approved Pre-accredited Course where the cost is subsidised for eligible participants.

ACFE Eligible participants are deemed eligible through an interview process with our career pathways officer. The costs for these participants are $65 –ACFE Information and Eligibility

Contact Karen Mengell on 9389 0127 or karen.mengell@ceres.org.au for more information and to book an interview.