3101024 - Naturalizing and Restoring Landscapes
Course Description
Learn the processes involved in assessing a site and planning for a naturalized landscape. Explore the theory and practice of converting degraded green spaces into ecologically functional areas using native plant species, ecological principles, and restoration techniques.
Hands-on activities will provide you with an opportunity to create a site plan that includes site selection, soil preparation, plant selection, and maintenance. You will become familiar with the process of evaluating local planning permissions and limitations, working with public organizations, and visualizing landscape decisions, to inform landscape naturalization. Consideration will be given to the ecological connections and contributions between plants, animals, and people.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Describe the principles of ecology that are relevant to the long-term sustainability of a landscape naturalization project
- Explain why landscape naturalization is considered an alternative approach to land planning and landscaping
- Discuss the functional and ecological contribution of native and non-native plants and plant communities to landscapes, wildlife and people
- Contrast the opportunities and challenges that present themselves when working towards landscape naturalization
- Create a project plan to naturalize and restore a site, including site selection, remediation, planning permissions, plant and landscape feature selection, site preparation, implementation, and management
- Develop an approach to engage the community and stakeholders in pursuit of project acceptance, understanding, funding, and ongoing stewardship
Course Topics
- History of Human Impact on the Landscape
- Landscape Ecology
- Characteristics of Degraded Landscapes
- Sustainability and Alternative Planning Tools
- Functional Roles of Green spaces
- Approaches to Naturalization
- Naturalization Case Study
- Planning for Naturalization
- The Naturalization Design Process
- Working with Stakeholders and the Public
- Education and Information Sharing
- Project Reflection and Landscape Monitoring
Additional Requirements
- This course is intended for adult learners who are at least 18 years of age.
- There are no prerequisites for this course.
- You can expect to spend 8 to 12 hours per week to complete the course content, readings, activities, discussions and assignments.
Naturalizing and Restoring Landscapes and Arboriculture complete an area of focus in Natural Landscape Management.
Do not enrol in this course if you have successfully completed The Naturalized Landscape (310-0020).
Assessment
| Assessment Item | Weight |
|---|---|
| Discussions | 20% |
| Quizzes | 15% |
| Assignments | 65% |
| Total | 100% |
Please note that the course assessment is subject to change.
Sponsoring Partners
Applies Towards the Following Certificates
- Horticulture Certificate : Elective Courses
- Horticulture Diploma : Elective Courses
- Landscape Design Diploma : Elective Courses
- Sustainable Urban Horticulture Certificate : Required Courses
Technical Requirements
You are responsible for ensuring that your computer system meets the necessary system requirements. Use the browser check tool to ensure your browser settings are compatible and up to date (results will be displayed in a new browser window).
*Course details are subject to change.