ODONATA
ACADEMY

Saving Species: For landholders and farmers

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

Its 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.

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 

    • Mentoring and networking with leading ecologists, regenerative-ag pioneers, and fellow landholders. 

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 

  • 4 months, 2 hours live per fortnight, plus 3-4hours self-study

    • August – November 2025

    • February – May 2026

    • August – November 2026

    • 2027 TBC

    • Early bird enrolments open: Tuesday June 10th 2025

    • Early bird enrolments close: Sunday 27th July 2025

    • Enrolments close: Sunday 3rd August 2025

    • Course commences : Monday 11th August 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, the full course cost of $4,250 has been subsidised:

    • Early bird: $1,200

    • Standard: $1,750

Course intakes

Guided Track Aug-Nov 2025
$1,750.00
Register now
Guided Track Feb-May 2026
$1,750.00
Register now
Guided Track Aug-Nov 2026
$1,750.00
Register now

Upcoming info session

Curious to learn more? Join us for a free info session where we’ll run through:

• What’s included in the course
• Who it's for and what you'll gain
• Time commitment and key dates
• How to get started

It's online and open to all, whether you're a landholder, environmental professional, or just passionate about conservation.

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. 

  • Guided Track: 4-month structured program (2 hrs live content per fortnight + 3–4 hrs independent study) 

  • 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 

    • Visit the course page 

    • Join an upcoming info session 

  • August–November 2025 cohort: 

    • Early bird enrolments open: June 1st

    • Early bird closes: Sunday 27 July 2025 

    • Final enrolments close: Sunday 3 August 2025 

    Spots are limited—only 20 places per Guided Track cohort.