Certificate In Horticulture (Nature Park Management)

COURSE STRUCTURE

The Certificate in Horticulture (nature park management) is a vocationally oriented and IARC accredited course comprising both studies in both general horticulture and in nature park management.

Certificate in Horticulture involves the areas of work:

*CORE STUDIES -Nature Park Management I and II

*STREAM STUDIES - a further four modules (see below)

CORE STUDIES

NATURE PARK MANAGEMENT I

1. Introduction to Nature Park Management – the role and scope of nature parks; the importance of indigenous vegetation in nature parks.

2. Basic Ecology – the environment, plants and animals; ecosystem concepts.

3. Soil Management in Nature Parks – soil characteristics and problems; earthworks.

4. Plant Maintenance – basic gardening techniques; natural gardening; plant selection; succession planting; equipment.

5. Design of Nature/Wilderness Parks I – collecting site information; preparing concept plans.

6. Design of Nature/Wilderness Parks II – drawing the final plan; construction estimates; designing animal enclosures.

7. Weed Management – characteristics of weeds; weed control; environmental weeds.

8. Pest and Disease Management – management strategies; chemical safety.

9. Culture of Indigenous Plants – techniques for establishing vegetation; planting design.

10. Tree Management – role of trees in nature parks; tree maintenance plans; pruning and tree surgery.

11. Turf Care – turf varieties in nature parks; lawn preparation, establishment and maintenance.

12. Rehabilitation: Problems and Solutions – aims and strategies; soil problems and solutions in degraded sites.

NATUREPARK MANAGEMENT II

1. Natural Environments – preserving natural environments; plant associations and environment rehabilitation

2. Recreation and the Environment – impact of recreation on natural environments

3. Wildlife Management in Nature Parks– impact of park visitors on wildlife; managing wildlife

4. Visitor Amenities in Nature Parks – design; provision of visitor amenities including picnic areas and campgrounds; management of facilities

5. Park Interpretation – interpretative facilities including signs and education programs

6. Trail Design and Construction – designing access routes in parks; designing and constructing walking tracks

7. Water Areas – conserving and managing natural water bodies in Nature Park, impact of humans on water areas

8. Marketing Nature Parks – strategies used to promote nature parks

9. Risk Management I – identifying, minimising and managing natural hazards; safety issues

10. Risk Management II – preparing a risk management plan

STREAM STUDIES

Choose any additional four modules from the following courses (Click on modules titles for more details):

Ecotour Management

Ecotour Tour Guide Course

Introduction to Ecology

Weed Control

Wildlife Management

Conservation and Environmental Management

Ornithology

Practical Horticulture I

Marine Studies I

Vertebrate Zoology

Animal Health Care

Environmental Assessment

Workplace Health & Safety

Duration: 600 hr

Accredited through International Accreditation & Recognition Council

Are you interested in studying other courses in the field of Environmental Science?  We offer various college level training opportunites to help further your career or get that dream job.  Go to:

http://www.acs.edu.au/courses/Environmental-courses.aspx


DO YOU WANT TO WORK WITH ANIMALS AND NATURE?
Then this course is for you! 

This 600 hour certificate course has been specifically designed for people working or wishing to work in nature parks and reserves, national parks, forests and reserves, in managerial or technical positions. Learn about natural environments, and the management of zoos, wildlife parks, nature reserves. Develop an understanding of the natural environment and basic ecological principles, and learn a variety of skills ranging from basic gardening and nature park design to management. Six modules must be completed including Nature Park Management I and II. 
This course is internationally accredited through I.A.R.C