ODONATA
ACADEMY

Welcome to Odonata Academy

Odonata Academy is the education branch of Odonata Foundation, delivering courses designed to provide people with practical knowledge to restore ecosystems and protect biodiversity.

Our flagship course, Saving species: For landholders and farmers, equips landholders and farmers with the knowledge and skills to support threatened species recovery, and promote healthy ecosystems on their properties. 

The course is built on Odonata’s extensive, hands-on experience in the field, deep connections with key stakeholders, and strong collaborations with leading scientific researchers.

By combining practical knowledge with the latest insights in conservation and land management, it provides participants with the tools, strategies, and confidence to create meaningful, lasting change for biodiversity and threatened species recovery. 

Participants are guided step-by-step to develop a personalised Species Recovery Action Plan tailored to their land, goals, and local context. This plan will help you: 

  • Identify priority species or habitats on your property 

  • Pinpoint key threats 

  • Choose appropriate and culturally respectful control methods 

  • Engage neighbours and local networks for greater impact 

  • Tap into funding, resources, and expert support 

By the end of the course, you’ll walk away with a clear, practical, and achievable roadmap to start or scale your conservation efforts, one that aligns with national best practice.

Pricing

With support from The Ian Potter Foundation and The ERDI Foundation, the full course cost of $4,250 has been subsidised.

Subsidised price
$1,750

Modules and learning outcomes

    • Understand the causes and consequences of species decline 

    • Explore the principles and strategies of species recovery 

    • Explore the connection between species recovery and ecosystem health 

    • Examine the distribution of Australia’s threatened species and role of private landholders in ecosystem recovery 

    • Examine the practices of baselining and monitoring and their role in ecosystem restoration 

    • Explore the use of data in tailoring restoration goals and strategies to meet site-specific needs 

    • Consider the key environmental metrics to monitor 

    • Explore when, why, and how to use different baselining and monitoring methods 

    • Explore the ecological impacts of invasive species on ecosystems and native fauna and flora 

    • Examine when, why, and how to implement different interventions to manage invasive species effectively and meet site-specific challenges 

    • Consider the role of habitat restoration and supplementation in enhancing ecosystem resilience 

    • Assess fencing suitability and impact 

    • Examine fencing designs and features 

    • Consider the planning, construction, maintenance, and monitoring of fences 

    • Explore the role of ecological science in conservation decision-making and planning 

    • Investigate the role of technology in enhancing restoration actions 

    • Examine the evolutionary and genetic barriers that affect threatened species recovery 

    • Discover the role of citizen science in supporting threatened species recovery 

    • Understand the importance of engaging with the community to build local support, secure funding, and enhance project success 

    • Identify key groups, organisations, and structures at national, state, and local levels that can provide resources, partnerships, and support 

    • Explore strategies to foster collaboration and encourage active community engagement 

    • Explore different business models that balance ecological impact with long-term financial sustainability 

    • Develop a foundational understanding of Natural Capital Markets 

    • Explore the principles, benefits, and practical applications of regenerative farming 

    • Explore the key principles of soil-focused farming and their application in improving ecosystem health 

    • Examine the federal, state and local legal frameworks that protect flora, fauna and culturally significant areas 

    • Explore common restoration activities with legal implications 

    • Consider when and why to partner with experts 

Guided track

The Guided Track offers a focused, high-impact learning experience that builds your confidence, clarity, and connections. Over four months, you’ll get direct access to leading conservation experts, tailored advice, and the chance to apply what you learn through real-world, on-the-ground experiences. With regular interaction, peer support, and expert guidance, you’ll move from understanding to action alongside others who share your goals. 

    • Access to all online learning modules 

    • A suite of downloadable resources, tools, and templates to support action on your property, including step-by-step guidance to develop your own Species Recovery Action Plan 

    • 8 live, interactive webinars over 4 months to learn directly from species recovery experts and get personalised advice for your property 

    • Mid- and end-of-term retreats at Mt Rothwell Sanctuary to see species recovery in action, build hands-on skills, and connect with like-minded landholders 

    • Mentorship and community grow alongside a cohort of passionate, purpose-driven participants 

    • Alumni network access for continued learning, connection, and collaboration 

    • Access to Odonata’s annual conservation conference to stay informed, inspired, and part of the broader movement 

    • 4 months of structured support, with continued resource access to reinforce your learning 

  • Online and in person 

  • The course runs for 4 months, with a 2-hour live session every fortnight, and around 3-4 hours of self-paced work between sessions.

    • August – November 2025

    • February – May 2026

    • August – November 2026

    • 2027 TBC

    • Enrolments close: Sunday 3rd August 2025

    • Course commences : Monday 11th August 2025

    • First Mt Rothwell retreat: Mid-term networking Thursday 9 - Friday 10 October

    • Second Mt Rothwell retreat: Action Plan presentation Thursday 11 - Friday 12 December

    • Course completion: Friday 12th December 2025

  • To ensure a personalised and high-quality experience, each Guided Track intake is capped at just 20 participants. This small-group format allows for tailored support, meaningful connections, and direct access to mentors and experts. Places fill quickly—secure your spot early.

  • We believe this course should be accessible to those ready to take action for nature. With support from The Ian Potter Foundation and The ERDI Foundation, the full course cost of $4,250 has been subsidised:

    • Course fee $1,750

    • Only 20 enrolments available

  • There are no formal assessments. Instead, participants are supported to develop a personalised Species Recovery Action Plan tailored to their land, goals, and local context. This is a practical, step-by-step process embedded throughout the course.

    At the end of the course, you’ll share your plan with the group during a collaborative session at the Mt Rothwell retreat. This is an open, supportive discussion, not a formal presentation, designed to spark ideas, share insights, and strengthen each other’s projects.

  • Got a question or keen to get involved? We’d love to hear from you. Reach out to Kate Base, Odonata Academy Coordinator, for more information, support, or just a good chat.

    kate.base@odonata.org.au 

Subsidised price is $1,750 (valued at $4,250)

· Secure your spot in our Academy course starting August 2025

· Only 20 places available

·

Subsidised price is $1,750 (valued at $4,250) · Secure your spot in our Academy course starting August 2025 · Only 20 places available ·

Interested in learning more about the course and whether it’s the right fit for you?

Watch the recording of our recent info session to hear from the Odonata Academy team, some of our Subject Matter Experts, and past participants.

You'll get an overview of the course format, what to expect, and how it supports landholders to take practical steps toward biodiversity and threatened species recovery on their land.

Course intakes

Saving Species Course | Aug-Nov 2025
$1,750.00
Enrol now
Saving Species Course | Feb-May 2026
$1,750.00
Enrol now
Saving Species Course | Aug-Nov 2026
$1,750.00
Enrol now

Subject matter experts

Georgia Randall
Baselining and monitoring

Sheryl Nettleton
Invasive species management

Sam Lancaster
Conservation fencing models

Jen Oceans
Community engagement

Nigel Sharp
Farming and natural capital markets

Matt Singleton
Species and regulatory frameworks

Course collaborators

Dr Damian Jones
Conservation technologies

Kym Kruse
Soil health and regenerative farming

Phil Ireland
Natural capital markets

Sam Marwood
Environmental business models

FAQs

  • Saving Species: For Landholders and Farmers is an applied conservation course that equips landholders, graziers, and farmers with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to support threatened species recovery and ecosystem health on their properties. Developed by Odonata, the course blends expert insights, practical guidance, and real-world examples to help you create a meaningful and achievable Species Recovery Action Plan. 

  • This course is designed for: 

    • Private landholders 

    • Graziers and mixed-enterprise farmers 

    • Conservation-minded property managers 

    • Individuals ready to take practical action for biodiversity and species recovery 

    Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale your efforts, this course meets you where you are—with options for independent learners and those seeking hands-on, expert-supported guidance. 

  • Across eight modules, you’ll gain skills in: 

    • Assessing biodiversity and tracking ecological change 

    • Managing invasive species and habitat restoration 

    • Applying regenerative land management practices 

    • Navigating natural capital markets and conservation policy 

    • Engaging communities and building collaborative conservation networks 

    Each participant develops a personalised Species Recovery Action Plan, tailored to their land and goals. 

  • The course runs for 4 months, with a 2-hour live session every fortnight, and around 3-4 hours of self-paced work between sessions.

  • No. This course is designed to be practical and accessible. Whether you’re managing thousands of acres or just beginning your conservation journey, the course will guide you step-by-step toward real-world action. 

  • You’ll leave with: 

    • A step-by-step Species Recovery Action Plan tailored to your property 

    • Clear understanding of your land’s biodiversity values and threats 

    • Strategies to manage invasive species and enhance ecosystem resilience 

    • Tools to track ecological improvements over time 

    • Clarity on where to start and what to prioritise 

  • Enrolments are currently open for the 2025 - 2026 course intake. Spots are limited to only 20 places per Guided Track cohort. 

    Final enrolments for August intake close on Sunday 3 August 2025 

Photography by Annette Ruzicka, Pete James.