2020 Land Caring “Blockie’s” Course – Learn how to care for your rural property – FULLY BOOKED

Thank you for your interest – this course is now Fully Booked.

Owning a rural block gives you the opportunity to start an agricultural venture or hobby farm, maintain habitat for wildlife or create your dream living space. It also brings responsibilities to control weedy grasses,  manage fire risks, maintain fences and manage  vegetation and water resources.

Over ten consecutive weeks we will provide you with an overview of common property management issues in the Gympie region and introduce you to some local organisations that can assist you with these issues.

The program will be delivered by professionals, public servants and community members with specialist knowledge of their field. Many presenters have a rural block in the Gympie Region, bringing first hand experience of managing a property.  In addition to the structured learning sessions, participants have the opportunity to share experience with people in similar situations and to discuss concerns with the presenters over morning tea.

You are able to book for the entire course up front or alternatively you may book for individual sessions that you wish to attend.

To book  for the entire 10 sessions at a discounted price, please click here.

 

COURSE SCHEDULE:

 

Wednesday 8th July 2020 – 8:30am to 12:30pm – Regenerate Your Soils (Part 1)

This session will provide an introduction to the soils of the Gympie region, including soil analysis and how soils and land form influence land use decisions. We will also look at local vegetation zones and investigate the various options available to improve the quality of your soils, including the use of animals and natural hydration methods, for increased productivity.

Wednesday 15th July – 8:30am to 12:30pm – Regenerate Your Soils (Part 2)

This session will consist of an overview of how different landscapes function, including how the climate of the Gympie region and human management affects what happens in and on our soils. We will look at the tools that are available to manage soils and the plants that grow on it, as well as what happens to soil when the surface is bare as opposed to when it is covered with plants or plant litter. We will look at how grass plants grow and how you can use these grasses to build soil before showing you a demonstration of how to monitor and record what is happening on your soil, so you know what to do to manage it and make it better.

To book only for Regenerate Your Soils Part 1 and 2, please click here.

 

Wednesday 22nd July 2020 – 8:30am to 12:00pm – Invasive Species of the Gympie Region

Come along and meet your local Lands Protection Officer from the Gympie Regional Council, as we take a look at invasive species that are prevalent in our region. We will teach you how to identify and effectively manage both plant and animal invasive species on your property. Bring along your weed samples for identification on the day!

To book only for Invasive Species of the Gympie Region, please click here.

 

Wednesday 29th July 2020 – 9:00am to 4:00pm – Introduction to Biodynamics

Join us for a trip to Kilkivan Community Farm where we will be discovering the successful practical aspects of Biodynamics that have been applied on this property since 2014. You will learn about how to make your biodynamic preparations as well as the application of biodynamic preparations, the origins of biodynamics and how to bring Biodynamics to your farm or garden in 2020. To finish off the day we will have a tour of the farm to see all of these practices in action.

To book only for Introduction to Biodynamics, please click here.

 

Wednesday 5th August 2020 – 8:30am to 12:30pm – Seed Collection, Storage and Propagation

Seed collection is an activity that can be undertaken by people of all ages and skill levels, and can be very satisfying. Meet the Sunshine Coast Council’s Envrionmental Conservation officer who will provide an overview of how to approach seed collection and the methods that can be used for collecting and storing seed. We will discuss the importance of seed collection and correct storage methods for successful propagation, before looking at the actual propagation methods for growing native plants from seeds.

To book only for Seed Collection, Storage and Propagation, please click here.

 

Wednesday 12th August 2020 – 8:30am to 12:30pm – Rural Fire Safety & Property Hazard Reduction

Do you know how much your property is at risk of being affected by a bushfire? Do you know what you can do to reduce the risk of fire spreading onto your property? Come along and meet the Curra Rural Fire Brigade to discuss local bushfire safety measures and how to interpret the various different warning levels. You will also learn about the various hazard reduction options that are available to you, as well as the regulations around some of these options.

To book only for Rural Fire Safety & Property Hazard Reduction, please click here.

 

Wednesday 19th August 2020 – 8:30am to 12:30pm – Pollinators & Insects 

Pollination is an extremely important process in the life cycle of plants. We also rely heavily on pollination to produce fruits and nuts. There are many different animals that contribute to pollination including bees, bats, butterflies, beetles and even birds! Come along and learn about all the different animals that contribute to pollination as well as the importance of pollination itself in today’s society.

To book only for Pollinators & Insects, please click here.

 

Wednesday 26th August 2020 – 8:30am to 12:30pm – Small Grazing Best Management Practices

You might have done some research into how best to manage the grazing habits of the livestock in your care and maybe you’re now a bit confused… mob stocking, managed intensive grazing, rotation grazing…. what does it all mean?? Come along to a local fixer upper farm and learn why it’s so important! You will also get to see some of the practices used here to improve ground cover, biodiversity, soil health and much more.

To book only for Small Grazing Best Management Practices, please click here.

 

Wednesday 2nd September 2020 – 8:30am to 12:30pm – Permaculture & Property Planning 

Permaculture is a set of design principles centred around whole systems thinking and directly using patterns that have been observed in natural ecosystems. There are 12 main Permaculture Principles that should be considered when designing a plan for your property. We will introduce you to these principles and assist you in coming up with an efficient property plan that benefits your local environment as well as your garden or farm!

To book only for Permaculture & Property Planning, please click here.

 

Wednesday 9th September 2020 – 8:30am to 12:00pm – Koalas and Other Wildlife Conservation

Join us for a walk through the Victory Trails where we will learn about koalas and natural wildlife habitats, as well as how to identify the presence of koalas and other wildlife. Meet the Gympie Koala Action Group as well as Gympie’s Land for Wildlife Officer to learn about how you can get involved in this free community program to assist our local wildlife populations.

To book only for Koalas and Other Wildlife Conservation, please click here.