Professional Specialist Certificate

Professional Specialist Certificate in Native Species and Natural Processes

This program is intended for students who already hold a Bachelor's degree therefore, students will require:

• an undergraduate degree in environmental studies, biology, geography, landscape architecture

OR

• an undergraduate degree in any other discipline plus a minimum of two years work in the field of environmental studies, landscape architecture, landscape design or restoration

Note: Individuals who meet the requirements for special access will be admitted to the program.

Course descriptions

NS 01 - Design Principles for Natural Processes

Ecosystem restoration attempts to create self-renewing plant and animal associations. They need to work with and expand on existing natural processes. This course identifies natural processes involved in maintaining ecosystems and how they are recreated in restoration projects. It also addresses the element of design where a particular restoration project accommodates special requirements such as wildlife crossings. In an urban context design considerations include low impact development and aesthetic appeal.

NS 02 - Selection and Propagation of Native Plants for Ecosystem Restoration

An introduction to the principles of native plant selection and propagation to meet site-specific objectives for ecosystem restoration. Topics include native plant propagation techniques; the role of artificial propagation in ecosystem rehabilitation and restoration; criteria for species selection; scientific and ethical principles for the collection of propagation materials; site stabilization; site preparation; out-planting; and bio-engineering.

NS 03 - Natural Processes

This course examines interactions between biotic and abiotic factors in ecosystems as they relate to ecological restoration. It describes the impacts and influences of fluvial and slope processes on establishing, maintaining or disrupting ecosystems such as estuaries and alpine meadows, and on processes of community change such as primary and secondary succession. Hydrological processes will be considered in terms of their impacts on the health of streams, lakes, wetlands and bogs, and the adaptations of species and communities to these environments. The role of soil microbes, invertebrates and fungi on soil genesis will be investigated through the detritus food chain. The attributes of soil that contribute to the establishment and maintenance of biomes will be explored.

NS 04 - Invasive Species Management

Exotic species are considered the second greatest threat to biodiversity and have gained the attention of researchers, managers and conservationists throughout the world. This course will provide a broad approach to the topic, covering ecological, social and economic aspects. The first part of the course will focus on local/Canadian examples of introduced species and their impacts. The second part will compare Canadian legislative, management and control efforts to those in other parts of the world.

NS 05 - Special Topics in Native Species and Natural Processes

This course provides a vehicle for the inclusion in any year, instruction in contemporary or specific topics related to the study of native species and natural processes including specific geographical areas. Examples might include: species recovery, low impact development, restoration of northern grasslands or green roof design.