Preferred presentation format: Poster

Affiliation(s): Department of Primary Industries, Victoria

Title: Prue Borschmann Position: Graduate Recruit, Private Forestry Extension Officer Organisation: Department of Primary Industries, Victoria Contact email: prue.borschmann@dpi.vic.gov.au Contact phone: 0428 170 127

Keywords: adult education, revegetation, farm forestry

Landowners, local government and agency staff are becoming increasingly aware of the value of the roles of trees in rural landscapes. The Tree Growing in Rural Landscapes (TGIRL) course combines the theory and practice of various aspects of tree growing, preparing participants to undertake their own revegetation and farm forestry projects.

Across six full-day sessions, participants learn about site assessment, species selection, seed collection, propagation, planting and maintenance. The program adapts to the needs of participants and flexes towards their key interests and issues. The informal style of delivery recognises the benefits of providing adults with a comfortable learning environment and opportunities to share experiences and ideas.

This poster tells the story of how course participants became interested in tree growing projects; how they became aware of Tree Growing in Rural Landscapes and their motivations for being part of the course; and how involvement in the course has assisted them in making land management decisions.

Key learning points:

• Landholders' motivations to join a course.
• The benefits for landholders of participating in training.
• Outcomes of the Tree Growing in Rural Landscapes for its participants.