We are just starting up. It's an optional subject at the end of term. (Landcare, Landscapes, Food & Fibre). A team of students to work to look after their patch. Native species, mulching, weeding, learning about native plants, also at Gordon's hill nature reserve.

Subject: Landcare - Landscapes, Food and Fibre

What will I be doing? Landcare has been officially in operation for over 30 years. From the coast to the country, and from cities to the outback, Landcare’s greatest asset is its people. Be part of a team that works in your school environment to improve its landscape by mulching gardens, weeding, planting, creating enjoyable outdoor spaces and exploring Gordons Hill nature reserve. We’ll also examine how our natural resources are used sustainably to produce food (what you eat) and fibre (what you wear and use in items such as carpet, clothes, paper based materials and packaging).

What are examples of topics/themes we will cover? Selecting appropriate plants, knowing when and how to plant, weed management, looking at how people use the school yard – what can we do to improve it for them? e.g. paths, gardens using traditional Tasmanian Aboriginal species, and working with groups such as Tas Landcare on habitat monitoring projects on Gordons Hill. Case studies on Tasmania’s food and fibre will be explored from dairy, kelp farming, berries, seafood, forestry, wool and hemp production.

Where can this take me? So far! You’ll need to enjoy being outdoors even in cold weather, getting dirty, working hard and knowing how to plan and work in a team. A pathway into careers in Council outdoor area management, landscape gardening, environmental rehabilitation, plant nursery, tracks and trails construction, farming, agricultural science, and Parks and Wildlife - just to name a few.

How will I be assessed? You will be assessed against the Australian Curriculum’s Priority of Sustainability as well as the Food and Fibre Curriculum. You will be assessed on both your practical work and the theoretical.