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:

• restoring 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 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.

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 – Indigenous perspectives and introduction to understanding the landscape
Session 2 – Natural area restoration + Intro to plants
Session 3 – Plant Identification and collection, seed collection and plant propagation
Session 4 – Healthy waterways, conservation and monitoring
Session 5 – Soil conservation and forest gardening and land restoration
Session 6 – Creating natural landscapes/landscapes through time, climate change planning and Indigenous ecological knowledge
Session 7 – City landscapes and green Infrastructure CBD tour
Session 8 – Pathways – Industry Mentors – next steps

*Session order and content subject to change

* 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. Find out more information about ACFE eligibility HERE. The costs for these participants are $75.

If you are interested in an ACFE place please fill out the enquiry form below our team will be in touch soon.

Guest Speakers:
Guests include speakers from Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, Merri Creek Management Committee and Seeding Victoria.

Our booking and refund policies, concession pricing information, FAQs, as well as other general terms and conditions can be viewed here.