This course is aimed at anyone interested in wetland plant identification and ecology. The course will run over 3 days and each day will focus on a different wetland habitat (water’s edge, deep marsh and mudflat) and be timed so as to follow the wetting and drying of the stunning Reedy Lagoon at Gunbower Island or nearby wetland. Participants can elect to do 1, 2 or all 3 days.

Course Content

• Examine where the different wetland vegetation zones are, the plant types that grow within them and what influences them (hydrology, soil type, water chemistry etc).
• Use local common wetland plants to illustrate the key features used for identification purposes.
• Learn the key characteristics that differentiate between plant families and genera.
• Use the most common plant species to practice using field guides and keys.
• Observe the same site as it transitions through the hydrological phases of; full, draw-down and drying.
• Use site observations over the 6 month period to highlight how ecological drivers of wetlands influence wetland plants species, their life cycle and distribution.
• Briefly relate how wetland plant ecology links to fauna, wetland connectivity, temporal variability (seasonal and annual) and nutrient cycling.

Choose from two sessions. Each session is 3 days, 9.00 – 4.30 pm

Course One Dates
Day 1: Wednesday 12 October 2016
Day 2: Wednesday 7 December 2016
Day 3: Wednesday 8 March 2017

Course Two Dates
Day 1: Thursday 13 October 2016
Day 2: Thursday 8 December 2016
Day 3: Thursday 9 March 2017

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 and timed to follow environmental water delivery to ensure wetland plants are at their peak.

Course Presenter
Damien Cook is one of Victoria’s leading wetland experts. 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 largest and most complex ecological restoration projects to date in Australia including the award winning 40 hectare Waterways Estate in Braeside, South East Melbourne and the restoration of 200 hectares of coastal park at the Victorian Desalination Plant, Wonthaggi.

Course Facilitator
Elaine Bayes

Course Structure
The day will be divided between being outside observing plants in their natural habitat and collecting specimens and class time using field guides, keys and microscopes. There will also be discussion and presentation time. Notes and identification keys will be provided. Lunch, morning and afternoon tea provided.

Cost
Cost per day = $290 plus GST = $319
Reduced Price for all 3 days = $800 plus GST = $880