Bush Regeneration Workshops
Bushcare Workshop
This one-day workshop comprises a classroom session and a field trip, and is the first step for those wanting to volunteer with the Bush For Life program. Why not ask a friend to come to the workshop with you?
Prerequisite: Trees For Life membership
Format: 9:30am – 4.30pm classroom session + field trip
Course content:
- the diversity of our native vegetation & basic ecology
- bush regeneration principles, strategies and methods for improving bushland health
- minimum disturbance bush regeneration techniques
- working safely in the bush
Broadleaf and Bulb Weed Control in Grassy Ecosystems
Learn the specialist skills necessary to manage grassy ecosystems which are particularly prone to invasion by exotic broadleaf and bulb weeds.
Prerequisite: Bushcare Workshop, priority given to active volunteers
Format: 9:30am – 1.00pm classroom + practical exercises outside
Course Content:
- Ecology of grassy understorey including common native and exotic species
- Main broadleaf and bulb weeds in grassy ecosystems
- Specialist chemical techniques for controlling broadleaf and bulb weeds, including bridal creeper.
Brushcutter Use and Maintenance
This workshop is designed to train volunteers in the use, maintenance and safe operation of mechanical brushcutters. This is a hands-on workshop, aimed at providing participants with the confidence to use a brushcutter in bushland settings.
Prerequisite: Bushcare Workshop, priority given to active volunteers
Format: 9.00am – 5.00pm classroom + hands on field component
Course Content:
- Why brushcut in bushland?
- How to safely operate a brushcutter
- Components and maintenance of the brushcutter
Introduction to Plant Identification
Bushcarers often want to increase their knowledge of indigenous plants and weeds, including being able use field guides and keys. This workshop is the first step towards being able to identify plants.
Prerequisite: Bushcare Workshop, priority given to active volunteers
Format: 9:30am – 4:00pm classroom session
Course Content:
- Introduction to general botany and floral anatomy
- Characteristics of the major plant families
- How to use botanical and other plant identification books
- How to use a herbarium to develop your knowledge
- Practical plant identification of common species
Introduction to Grass Identification
Identifying grasses can be very daunting for bushcarers: which ones are native, which ones are weeds? This introductory workshop will help participants to identify some of the common groups of grasses, both native and exotic, and recognise some of the basic features of grasses needed for identification.
Prerequisite: Bushcare Workshop, priority given to active volunteers
Format: 9:30am – 4:00pm classroom session
Course Content:
- Basic grass botany, floral structure etc
- How to use botanical ID books
- Major groups (genera) of indigenous and exotic grasses
- Practical plant identification using common species