Practical training in plot-based ecological monitoring in rangeland ecosystems
TERN Calperum Mallee SuperSite, South Australian Riverland
28 April – 5 May 2019
About the course
This intensive week-long training course covers all aspects of TERN’s Environmental Monitoring Systems, including the TERN AusPlots Field Survey Apps & Protocols —a standard agreed method for anyone undertaking research or monitoring in the rangelands.
Led by experienced ecologists, participants will have at least a day of lectures and five days in the field exploring all aspects of the field protocols. Participants will learn the specific techniques of establishing a plot, taking photo-panoramas, conducting point intercept vegetation surveys, collecting plant herbaria specimens, collecting plant tissue samples, using a basal wedge for calculating biomass, leaf area index sampling, and various soil sampling techniques.
All attendees will receive a certificate of attendance upon completion. There are no formal assessment components.
The University of Adelaide higher degree students may record 40 hours of Career and Research Skills Training (CaRST) (Domain A: Knowledge and intellectual abilities).
Who should attend?
The training caters for a wide audience with varying skills and experience levels and is suitable for tertiary students, as well as experienced researchers wanting to understand our field collection methods. Participants will be assumed to have a keen interest in understanding survey methods and techniques. The theory lectures will be in-depth, explaining the background to our methods.
All participants will receive a printed copy of the updated AusPlots Survey Protocol manual. Some reading before the training commences will be beneficial.
Course details
Participants will need to arrive on Sunday 28th April (either by getting independently to the venue near Renmark or meeting the team in Adelaide at 2 pm and traveling in convoy). Theory lectures will commence at 8:30 am Monday 29th April. All trainers and participants will spend the week together, in basic accommodation (air-conditioned bunkhouse and campsites), and all meals and catering will be provided.
Places will be limited.
To register download the Application Form and email it to sally.oneill@adelaide.edu.au
