Nature Park Management I; wilderness, zoos, wildlife, reserves, national parks

DO YOU WANT TO WORK WITH ANIMALS AND NATURE?

Then this course is for you!

This course has been specifically designed for people working or wishing to work in nature parks 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 erosion control, weed control and tree surgery.

The course covers many of the fundamental tasks which people who work in such parks need to do; including weed control, soil management, land rehabilitation, landscape construction, etc.

Professional Development for people working in parks management, land rehabilitation, conservation or related industries.

This course is valuable for people wishing to work in nature parks and reserves, in managerial or technical positions.

Lay a foundation to work in management of wilderness areas, national parks, camp and picnic grounds and reserves.

This is an experiential learning-based course. Throughout your studies you will have the opportunity to network with and learn from a variety of industry professionals. Establishing real-world relationships and confidence is key to career success.

Lesson Structure

There are 12 lessons in this course:

Introduction to Nature Parks
- Role of nature parks
- National parks
- Zoos and wildlife parks
- Reserves
- Role of community groups in nature parks
- Using indigenous plants
- Benefits of indigenous remnant vegetation
- Naturalised plants
- Plant identification: plant reviews
Basic Ecology
- Ecology and its application
- Constituents of an ecosystem: biotic and abiotic
- Ecosystem function
- Heterotrophic vs, autotrophic
- Ecological concepts
- Ecology relationships
- Climatic zones
- Climate: soil: vegetation interrelationships
- Plant association
- Living things
- Classification of animals
- Plant classification
- Using keys
- Botanical families for different genera: a framework for identifying plants
Soil Management in Nature Parks
- Soil Management Overview
- Earthworks in nature parks
- Soil degradation
- Erosion
- Causes, types and control of erosion
- Salinity
- Sources of salinity
- Control methods for soil salinity
- Soil acidification, and causes
- Compaction of soil
- Chemical residues
- Soil and plant growth
- Naming the soil
- Improving soils
- Sampling soils
- Nutrient availability and pH
- Fertilizers and nutrient components
- Terminology
Plant Maintenance
- Plant maintenance in nature parks
- Plant selection
- Economics of planting
- Ongoing costs
- Longevity
- Aesthetic criteria for plant selection
- Natural gardening techniques
- Using hardy, pest free plants
- Planting for a succession
- Equipment: a more sustaainable and natural approach
- Avoiding problem materials
- Disposing of waste
- Composting
- Planting procedure
- Staking plants
- When to plant
- Machinery for park maintenance: overview
Design of Nature Parks I
- Nature park design
- Landscaping procedure
- Pre planning information
- Landscape plans
- Design procedure
Design of Nature Parks II
- Designing animal enclosures
- Cages and pens
- Open range enclosures
- Designing and siting animal enclosures
- Specifications and contracts
Weed Management in Nature Parks
- Characteristics of weeds
- Weed control options
- Chemical control
- Biological control
- Non chemical control
- Plants which take over
- Environmental weeds
Pest and Disease Management
- Pest and disease control: chemical and non chemical
- Using chemicals safely
- Understanding plant pathology
- How to inspect plants for suspected problems
- Insect biology and classification
- Laws related to chemical use
- Types of poisons
- Understanding toxicity
- Review of main types of plant pests
- Review of common fungal problems affecting plants
Culture of Indigenous Plants
- Growing indigenous plants in nature park
- Plant establishment: direct planting, direct seeding, natural regeneration
- Planting design
- Planting techniques: pocket planting, slope serration, wattling, planting arid sites, direct seeding, spray seeding
Tree Management in Nature Parks
- The role of trees
- Tree maintenance plan
- Arboriculture (overview)
- Safety for tree surgery
- Tree surgery techniques
Turf Care in Nature Parks
- Introduction
- Choosing turf grasses
- Feature lawns
- Picnic areas
- Areas for sport, gardens, parks
- Establishing a new lawn
- Review of turf varieties
- Turf maintenance procedures
- Topdressing
Rehabilitation Problems and Solutions
- Land rehabilitation in nature parks
- Site plan information needed
- Site management plan
- Soil problems on degraded sites
- Dry areas, overcoming dry soils, managing sandy soils
- What causes wet areas
- Overcoming problems with wet areas
- Factors affecting rehabilitation: debris, mass plantings, water, topsoil, exotic organisms

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

Aims

Explain the importance of the interrelationships between various components of a natural environment within an ecosystem.
Develop management strategies for soils within a natural ecosystem.
Develop management strategies for plant maintenance practices, in nature parks.
Design a nature park, or a section within a nature park.
Develop management strategies for the control of weed problems in a nature park.
Develop management strategies for the rehabilitation of degraded sites in a nature park.

What You Will Do

Differentiate between different categories or types of nature parks.
Determine thirty living components of a specific ecosystem, studied by you.
Determine ten non-living components of a specific ecosystem, studied by you.
Prepare a labelled diagram to illustrate the interrelationships between at least fifteen different components of an ecosystem.
Explain the possible impact of removing two different specified organisms from a specified ecosystem.
Explain the potential impact of adding non indigenous organisms, to a specified ecosystem.
Explain how different soil characteristics can impact upon an ecosystem.
Describe the physical characteristics of at least three different soils, which are of significant to the stability of their ecosystems.
Determine the plant maintenance requirements of a specific nature park visited and assessed by you.
Develop guidelines for the care of new plantations in a nature park visited by you.
Compare the likely environmental impact of different types of pesticides used on a specific site.
Determine the significance to plant populations, of containment of different outputs, on a specified site, including -water runoff -chemical spray drift -effluent -pollutants.
Determine categories of landscape developments which are carried out in different types of nature parks, including -Wildlife Reserves -Zoos -Sanctuaries -National Parks -Forest Reserves -Vegetation corridors.
Prepare two concept plans for a nature park development, including -existing features -clear labelling -legend -scale -north indicator.
Plan the construction of a landscape development within a nature park, including -materials lists (types and quantities of materials); -plan of proposed landscape development; -list of manpower and equipment requirements; -a work schedule.
Estimate the cost of construction in accordance with a specified landscape plan.
Estimate the cost of maintaining a specified section of a park, for a three-month period.
Prepare a weed collection, of twenty different weeds.
Compare alternative control methods for a specified weed problem.
Develop guidelines for weed control, in a nature park inspected by you.
Develop a management plan to reinstate indigenous flora on a specific site.
Describe degraded sites at two different natural areas, you inspect.
Prepare construction details for work to be undertaken in the rehabilitation of a degraded site you inspect.
Develop a management plan for a degraded site, in a natural area you visit.

What affects Land Degradation?

Debris
In most cases, the organic debris at a disturbed site should not be cleared prior to rehabilitation. Old logs, leaf litter, rotting twigs etc are all-important components and will contribute to re-establishing the site if left lying where they are. They will support insects and other small animals. In addition they will help retain soil moisture and supply nutrients. The exception, of course, is weed residues or debris contaminated by chemicals – these must be removed from the site.

Debris can be considered as a valuable resource. By spreading mulch, leaf litter, logs etc., over a site you can encourage rehabilitation. Heavy material lain adjacent to drainage lines can be used to help control erosion and reduce siltation of water courses. Debris can provide perches for birds. Seed carried by birds may be deposited in the debris, and germinate protected by that debris.

Mass Plantings
Mass plantings or planting at high densities will quickly cover up a site, which will help to stabilise it faster, but it can create plant growth which is dependent upon extra care. The roots of plants help hold soil together and prevent erosion. The foliage of plants can slow the wind, filter air, and slow down the rate at which rainfall collects on the ground; hence reducing flooding and soil washing away.

Water Movement
When a site has undergone significant changes through erosion or construction work, there will be significant changes to the way water flows over the ground and is held by the soil. These changes may mean that the site cannot be rehabilitated into an ecosystem like that which existed prior to those changes.

Preserving Topsoil
Insects, soil microorganisms, seeds, etc., needed to rehabilitate a site are often found in abundance in topsoil. If some topsoil remains on a site, from the original ecosystem, it may be the source of many of the species required to rehabilitate the site to something approaching its original form.

Invasion by Exotic Organisms
Plants and animals from nearby areas may invade the site being rehabilitated. Wind, water, birds, vehicles and people can carry weed seeds, insects and other small organisms onto the site. Where possible, restrict the movement of exotic species to give the indigenous species a better chance of establishment.

Why Study with ACS?

Design your own learning pathway.

Study at your own pace, from anywhere, at any time.

Receive prompt, expert support from our team of committed and friendly tutors.

Your learning is our priority. We are flexible and adaptable to meet your educational needs!

What Next?

ENROL or Use our FREE Course Advice Service to Connect with a Tutor

Member of Study Gold Coast Education Network.

ACS Global Partner - Affiliated with colleges in seven countries around the world.

Member Greenlife Industry Queensland.

How can I start this course?

You can enrol at anytime and start the course when you are ready. Enrolments are accepted all year - students can commence study at any time. All study is self paced and ACS does not set assignment deadlines.

Please note that if a student is being assisted by someone else (e.g. an employer or government subsidy), the body offering the assistance may set deadlines. Students in such situations are advised to check with their sponsor prior to enrolling. The nominal duration of a course is approximately how long a course takes to complete. A course with a nominal duration of 100 hours is expected to take roughly 100 hours of study time to complete. However, this will vary from student to student. Short courses (eg. 100 hrs duration) should be completed within 12 months of enrolment. Certificates, Advanced Certificates and Awards (eg. over 500 hours duration) would normally be completed within 3 -5 years of enrolment. Additional fees may apply if a student requires an extended period to complete.
If a student cannot submit their assignments for 6 months to ACS, they should advise the school to avoid cancellation of their student
registration. Recommencement fees may apply.

Simply click on the ENROL OPTIONS button at the top of this screen and follow the prompts.

You can see the course price at the top of this page. Click 'enrolment options' to see any payment options available.

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Yes! We have payment plans for most courses. Click 'enrolment options' to see the available payment plans.
We also have Afterpay that will allow you to pay for your course or payment plans in four instalments (if you are in Australia).

What do I need to know before I enrol?

There are no entry requirements that you need to meet to enrol in our courses, our courses are for everyone.
If you are under 18, we need written permission from your parent/ guardian for your enrolment to continue, we can arrange that after you have enrolled.

You don’t need to purchase any additional resources to complete our courses.

We aim to teach you the essentials without you having to purchase any specific computer program.
We recommend that you have access to a word processing program, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs, so that you can easily complete and submit your assignments.

You sure can. We are here to help you learn whatever your abilities.

Yes, if you are enrolling in a Certificate or Advanced Certificate, you might be eligible for credits if you have evidence of your previous studies or relevant experience. More information is here.

We recommend that you are able to browse websites, send emails and conduct online research. You will need to be able to type and submit your assignments.
If you have limited computer skills, we can make special arrangements for you.

This is possible, it depends on the institution. We recommend that if you would like to use our courses that you contact the institution first. Our Course Handbook is a good resource for this.

Our courses are written in English and we only have English speaking academic staff. If you can read and complete your assignments in English, our courses are ideal for you.

Our courses are designed to build knowledge, hands on skills and industry connections to help prepare you to work in the area, running your own business, professional development or as a base for further study.

This course has been designed to cover the fundamentals of the topic. It will take around 100 hours to complete, which includes your course reading, assignment work, research, practical tasks, watching videos and anything else that is contained in the course. Our short courses are a great way to do some professional development or to learn a new skill.

It’s up to you. The study hours listed in the course are a rough guide, however if you were to study a short course (100 hours) at 10 hours per week, you could finish the course in 10 weeks (just an example). Our courses are self-paced, so you can work through the courses in your own time. We recommend that you wait for your tutor to mark and return your assignment before your start your next one, so you get the benefits of their feedback.

The course consists of course notes, videos, set tasks for your practical work, online quizzes, an assignment for each lesson (that you receive feedback from your tutor from) and ends in an exam (which is optional, if would like to receive the formal award at the end), using our custom built Learning Management System - Login.Training.

Our courses are designed for adults to gain professional development and skills to further their careers and start businesses.

Our custom online learning portal allows you to conduct your learning online. There may be practical tasks that you can do offline. You have the option of downloading your course notes or print them to read later.

There is also the option to pay an additional fee for printed course notes and or USB (availability limited to location and deliverability).

Yes, if you don’t have access to the internet, you can receive the course as paper notes or on a USB stick for an additional fee. We can also make alternative arrangements for you to send your assignments to us.

We offer printed notes for an additional fee. Also, you can request your course notes on a USB stick for an additional fee.

Yes, your tutor is here to help you. Simply post any questions you have in your login.training portal or contact the office and we can pass on a message to your tutor.

We are more learning focussed, rather than assessment focussed. You have online quizzes to test your learning, written assignments and can complete an exam at the end of the course (if you want to receive your certificate). You will not receive a pass/ fail on your course work. If you need to add more details on your assignment, we will ask you to resubmit and direct you where you need to focus. If you need help, you can ask your tutor for advice in the student room.

Each module (short course) is completed with one exam.

Exams are optional, however you must sit an exam if you would like to receive a formal award. You will need to find someone who can supervise that you are sitting the exams under exams conditions. There is an additional cost of $60 incl. GST for each exam.
More information is here

There are practical components built into the course that have been designed to be achieved by anyone, anywhere. If you are unable to complete a task for any reason, you can ask your tutor for an alternative.

When you complete the course work and the exam and you will be able receive your course certificate- a Statement of Attainment. Otherwise, you can receive a Letter of Completion.

You can bundle the short courses to create your own customised learning bundle, Certificates or Advanced Certificates. More information is on this page.

Yes, our courses are built to be applicable for people living anywhere in any situation. We provide the fundamentals, and each student can apply their own unique flair for their own interests, region and circumstances with the one-on-one guidance of a tutor. There is also a bit of student directed research involved.

Employers value candidates with industry skills, knowledge, practical skills and formal learning. Our courses arm you with all of these things to help prepare you for a job or start your own business. The longer you study the more you will learn.

ACS has an arrangement with OAMPS (formerly AMP) who can arrange Professional Indemnity from Australian and New Zealand graduates across all disciplines. Ph: 1800 222 012 or email acs@oamps.com.au.

Who are ACS Distance Education?

ACS Distance Education have been educating people for over 40 years.

We are established and safe- we have been in education for over 40 years.
We are focused on developing innovative courses that are relevant to you now and what you will need to know in the future.
We are focused on helping you learn and make the most of your experience.
You can enrol at any time, you can work on your course when it suits you and at your own pace.
We are connected to many industry bodies and our staff participate in continuous improvement and learning activities to ensure that we are ahead of what learning is needed for the future.

Our courses are not accredited by the Australian Government. However many of our courses are recognised and held in high regard by many industry bodies.

Our courses are written by our staff, who all have many years experience and have qualifications in their speciality area. We have lots of academic staff who write and update our courses regularly.

How do I enrol my staff/ sponsored students?

Yes, you can do a request for a bulk enrolment and request an invoice on our Invoice Request Form

We can prepare an invoice, quote or proforma invoice. Simply complete your details on our Invoice Request form

We can arrange bulk discounts for your course enrolment, please get in touch with us to discuss your needs.

Yes, we have many students who are in locked facilities, such as prisons or hospitals. We can cater by also offering paper notes at an additional cost.

What if I have any more questions or need more information?

We can assist you to find the right course for your needs. Get in touch with us via email (admin@acs.edu.au) call on +61 7 5562 1088 or complete our course advice form.

Take a look at their testimonials here.

What if I change my mind?

Our terms and conditions of enrolment are here.

Please get in touch with studentservices@acs.edu.au if you would like to be removed from our mail list.

If you would like ACS Distance Education to delete your information at any time (whether you are a customer or a prospective customer), please contact our privacy officer and we will process this ( admin@acs.edu.au ).

If students require a reproduction of their certificate, an electronic copy can be provided at a cost of AUD$35 incl GST. Printed copies are not available.

Course Contributors

The following academics were involved in the development and/or updating of this course.

Adriana Fraser (Horticulturist)

Over 30 years working in horticulture, as a gardener, propagator, landscape designer
, teacher and consultant. Adriana has spent much of her life living on large properties, developing and maintaining her own gardens, and living a semi self sufficient lifestyle. She has decades of practical experience growing her own fruit, vegetables and herbs, and making her own preserves. She is well connected with horticulture professionals across Australia, and amongst other things, for a period, looked after Australia's national collection of Thymus. Advanced Diploma in Horticulture, Advanced Certificate in Horticulture.

Rosemary Davies (Horticulturist)

Leading horticultural expert in Australia.
Rosemary trained in Horticultural Applied Science at Melbourne University. Initially she worked with Agriculture Victoria as an extension officer, taught horticulture students, worked on radio with ABC radio (clocking up over 24 years as a presenter of garden talkback programs, initially the only woman presenter on gardening in Victoria) and she simultaneously developed a career as a writer.
She then studied Education and Training, teaching TAFE apprentices and developing curriculum for TAFE, before taking up an offer as a full time columnist with the Herald and Weekly Times and its magazine department after a number of years as columnist with the Age. She has worked for a number of companies in writing and publications, PR community education and management and has led several tours to Europe.
In 1999 Rosemary was BPW Bendigo Business Woman of the Year and is one of the founders and the Patron, of the Friends of the Bendigo Botanic gardens. She has completed her 6th book this year and is working on concepts for several others.
Rosemary has a B Ed, BSc Hort, Dip Advertising & Marketing

John Mason (Horticulturist)

Parks Manager, Nurseryman, Landscape Designer, Garden Writer and Consultant.
Over 40 years experience; working in Victoria, Queensland and the UK.
He is one of the most widely published garden writers in the world.

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[The course] provides a thorough introduction to the practices of Life Coaching. It provides very good learning materials and practical assignments at end of each lesson. The comments from my tutor are always very encouraging and positive. The services from school administrative staff are excellent [and] the course is recognised by Association of Coaching, UK.

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