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Ecological Plant Knowledge 1 - Natives

"The one thing that astonished me the most is the environmental "usefulness" of each plant in its own native community. It certainly makes you rethink the landscaping value of native plants." - Julie Fredlund


Understanding ecosystem relationships in your region is key to the success of those looking to support native habitats for wildlife, including pollinators. Discover how native plants adapt to conditions in their local environment, no matter where you happen to live. 

This course looks at ecology, botany and plant physiology. Students learn how to enhance their local environment with native annuals, perennials and shrubs, as well as deciduous and evergreen trees, for the benefit of all.

This Course Prepares You to: 

  • Create wildlife habitat with native plants

  • Understand interdependence within ecosystems

  • Consider the true meaning of "native"

  • Support plant communities within particular ecosystems

  • Explore the ecology, politics and economics of invasive plants


This course integrates reading, quizzes and discussions with practical, hands-on assignments. To receive a Certificate of Completion students must contribute to online discussions and satisfactorily complete all graded assignments and quizzes.


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    Ecological Plant Knowledge 1 - Natives - September 2024

    Course Details

    Outline

    Please download the course outline here: Ecological Plant Knowledge 1 - Natives Course Outline. Students can expect to dedicate 6-10 hours per week to successfully complete this course.

    Time Expectations

    As well, our courses are offered in the continuing education realm and are designed so students can complete them according to their own schedule. The work is divided up into 14 weekly topics and students are expected to complete their assigned work and quizzes by the given deadlines.

    Our courses do not use online meetings, so we are not using Google Meet, Zoom or other online meeting applications.

    If you have any questions about studying online with Gaia College please see our FAQs page

    Fees

    Fees: $795.00

    Fees include:

    • Unlimited access to our on-line course resources, community center, including resource library, discussion forums and much more

    Payment Options: Online: E-transfer, Visa, MasterCard By Mail: Cheque drawn on Canadian Funds, Money order in Canadian Funds

    Prerequisites

    There are no academic prerequisites for this course, however students must

      • be proficient in English (written)
      • be comfortable with current computer and internet technology, including spreadsheets and word processing programs
      • have an email account capable of receiving a large number of messages for the duration of the course
      • have access to high-speed internet
      • have access to a computer capable of running a current version of FireFox or Chrome. Tablets and phones are not supported at this time.

    It would be also very beneficial to the student to pursue the Organic Master Gardener or Organic Horticulture Specialist course either before, during, or after this program.

    Evaluations

    There are no formal exams in this course, as the emphasis is on developing practical skills and the ability to synthesize information.

    To receive a Certificate of Completion students must contribute to all on-line discussions and satisfactorily complete all assignments and quizzes.

    Texts

    Required Text

    Douglas W. Tallamy, Bringing Nature Home - How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants, Timber Press, Portland, 2009 – ISBN 13-978-0-88192-992-8

    Here is the author's website with additional resources: http://www.bringingnaturehome.net/

    The text is also available on Amazon, Indigo and Bookshop (hardcover or Ebook)

    Credits

    This program is eligible for Continuing Education Credits (CECs) with the following:

    Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA)
    Also applies to B.C. Landscape & Nursery Association and Landscape Ontario
    Pre-approved:
    24 credits

    National Association of Landcare Professionals (NALP) – American
    Pre-approved:
    24 credits

    International Society of Arboriculture: Certified Arborist
    Pre-approved:
    7.5 Credits

    International Society of Arboriculture: Board Certified Management Arborist
    Pre-approved:
    7.5 Credits (Science)

    International Society of Arboriculture: Municipal Specialist
    Pre-approved:
    2.5 Credits

    B.C. Society of Landscape Architects
    As per Society guidelines - eligibility of this program has been confirmed

    Master Gardeners of Ontario Inc. (MGOI)
    Pre-approved:
    24 credits

    Canadian Society for Organic Urban Land Care (SOUL)
    Pre-approved: 6 Credits

    Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Canada
    Pre-approved: 3.02 Credits

    Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA)
    Pre-approved: 4 Credits

    Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC)
    Pre-approved: 42 Non-core LUs

    This course partially satisfies the requirements of:

    • Gaia College: Core course for Diploma in Organic Land Care
    • CLD designation offered through CNLA. Successful completion of the course may be used toward the achievement of the requirements for the Education component of the recertification process.

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