Wetland Plants Course, 2026
The next round of Dr Graeme Lorimer's popular course about non-saline wetlands was planned for January 2026 but circumstances have intervened and it might not proceed. If you're interested after reading the following information, email training@biosphere.net.au to be put onto our training e-mail list so you'll be notified when and if the course proceeds.
The course runs over two 4-hour sessions outdoors at Templestowe, Victoria. It suits anyone, from novice to botanist, and covers:
- How to quickly distinguish in the field between commonly-encountered wetland plant genera such as Juncus, Bolboschoenus, Carex, Cyperus, Isolepis, Persicaria and Azolla;
- How to identify a wide range of species in the field, native and introduced;
- How to use Lorimer's easy-to-use identification keys;
- The importance and function of ecological wetland processes such as the cycle of wetting and drying and the specialised dispersal of propagules;
- The ecology and management of wetland weeds; and
- The basics of creating artificial wetlands and the roles they play.
Notes and identification keys are provided. The cost will be around $470. Class size is 17.
Here's what participants have said about this course in recent years:
"Graeme's course is a fantastic introduction to wetland plants. He has fantastic resources that really help to learn about wetland plants. Throughout the course we went through steps for identifying plants that I know I will be able to use in the field."
– Rose, ecological consultant
"I cannot recommend Graeme's courses more highly. I will be taking what I learned and putting it into practice straightaway in relation to managing and rehabilitating dams and streams on private properties."
– Jennifer, environmental consultant
"Thanks for a great couple of mornings! Not only do I feel that I'm getting a start at identification in wetlands, but I notice wetlands much more as I'm driving around!"
– Bill, biologist
Wild Grasses of Victoria Course
Of all the families of plants, the grasses are the most important in ecological, economic and agricultural terms. Victoria's 230+ indigenous grass species play pivotal ecological roles. The 170 or so wild, introduced species have enormous ecological and economic impact.
Biosphere Pty Ltd's Dr Graeme Lorimer has been running courses on the identification, ecology and management of wild grasses and their relatives for 37 years. The next Wild Grasses of Victoria course will be over four days in late November and December 2026.
The course will teach anyone from novices to professional botanists to identify Victoria's wild species of grass – native or introduced. It also covers the ecology, management and growth requirements of grasses. Partipants learn to read the landscape and manage vegetation well through an understanding of the grass species present and their relationships with other flora and fauna. Related groups such as sedges and rushes are covered in less detail.
Three days will be split equally between a classroom and outdoors in grassy vegetation near Melbourne. We'll visit sites on the Victorian volcanic plain, highlands and Gippsland plain. There will also be a workshop day where everyone will have a stereo microscope and be given specimens and assistance for identification.
Also allow an hour or two of your own time before the course starts to view and act on this introductory video. It gives you a simple mission to collect some grass specimens that you should bring to our first session together.
The cost will be roughly $950 (or less for Health Care Card holders).
These courses always book out but it is not a 'first come - first served' process. Offers are first made to those who missed out on the previous course, then a random ballot is run for remaining positions. Those who miss out go on a waiting list in case of withdrawals.
Email training@biosphere.net.au if you'd like to be notified when course details are announced.
Here's what participants have said about this course in recent years:
"Extremely understandable, relevant and practical course for all kinds of environmental professionals and dabblers." – Anonymous
"This course has changed the way I think about and ID grasses. Graeme is extremely knowledgeable and willing to share this knowledge. He has a real talent for teaching and I thoroughly enjoyed the course and learnt a lot."
– Catriona, graduate ecologist
"Very informative course, can't wait to do more." > – Kahla, Council land manager
"This course is an excellent grass ID course for any level of grass ID skill. If you are completely new to grasses then Graeme will help you work out what different Grass families look like and if you have a bit more experience then he can give a lot of guidance and tips on IDing plants down to the species level. Highly recommend."
– Rose, ecological consultant
" I really enjoyed the course. Graeme is enthusiastic and has so much knowledge to share. I feel more confident in identifying the different parts of a grass and how to use to keys for identification." – Anonymous