Naarm (Melbourne) is one of the most liveable cities in the world, host to rich biodiversity, parks, gardens and waterways. However, with the challenges of climate change and expanding development our natural environment is under increasing stress.

This course aims to introduce you to the biodiversity that makes up our city and equip you with introductory skills in restoration, revegetation and landscape management.

The course includes guest presenters such as Wurundjeri elder Uncle Dave Wandin, revegetation experts at Merri Creek Management Committee, urban ecologists 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.

*Subject to Government restrictions, components of this course may be delivered either in person or online.

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.
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 First 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 and gardens.

This course will run on the following dates in 2023
Wednesdays, from 26th April to 27th June
Fridays, from 10th March to 5th May
Fridays, from 13th October to 1st December.

The course incorporates topics such as Indigenous Land Management, Plant Identification and Propagation, Natural Area Restoration, Soil, Water and Fire Conservation, Ecology in Landscaping, Greening City Landscapes and Community Action and Engagement.

Course Sessions

Session 1: Landscape restoration in context and Indigenous land management
Session 2. Plant Identification and Propagation
Session 3. Natural Area Restoration
Session 4. Field Trip to La Trobe Wild Life Sanctuary
Session 5. Soil, Fire and Water Conservation
Session 6. Indigenous perspectives on Ecology and Ecology in Landscaping
Session 7. City Landscapes and Green Infrastructure
Session 8. Pathways - Industry Mentors - Next Steps

This course will be occurring on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation and will aim to centre first nations voices, expertise, and experiences. This course recognises the connection of First Nations people to the land, islands and sea and recognises that many of the environmental challenges we are facing are due to the ongoing effects of colonisation.

Trainer
Chrissi Charles cemented their love of plants in Lutruwita (Tasmania) while studying a bachelor of plant sciences (Botany and Ecology) in Nipaluna (Hobart). Chrissi spent the first few years after studying diving into a career in horticulture which included an internship at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne and an almost two-year stint as a researcher and content maker for the ABC’s Gardening Australia. Over the last year, Chrissi has split their time between working at Merri Creek Management Committee as a part of the Ecological Restoration team, studying a Masters of Ecosystem Management and Conservation (part-time) at Melbourne University and learning the ropes as a casual educator at Ceres. Chrissi is excited to share their passion for plants, ecology and getting your hands dirty restoring natural areas.

Guest Speakers
Uncle Dave Wandin - Wurundjeri Elder & Wurundjeri Corporations Manager of Cultural Practices (Fire & Water).
Michael Longmore - Program Coordinator and Ecological Restoration Planner, Merri Creek Management Committee
Natural Resource Management Team - Moreland City Council
Lincoln Kern - CEO Practical Ecology
Patrick Belford - Inner City Nature

* 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.