Botanical gardens - arks of biodiversity

Timetable

 

5 meetings in 5 different locations:

Botanical Garden of the Adam Mickiewicz University

The Poznań Palmhouse

Arboretum of the University of sciences

Arboretum of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Kórnik

Botanical Garden of medicinal Plants of the Instutute of Natural Fibres and Medicinal Plants

More details during the first meeting.

 

Module aim (aims)

The aim of this module is to provide students with knowledge of legal, ecological and educational activities of botanic gardens by real life examples of 5 institutions. As many of the procedures employed in botanic gardens in Poland are international, the students will gain not only theoretical but also practical knowledge of managing of such an scientific and public entity.

Pre-requisites in terms of knowledge, skills and social competences (where relevant)

Syllabus

In Poznan and its vicinity there are six botanic gardens. They belong to different institutions but are joined in a common goal of protection and study of plant biodiversity on Earth. In their collections one finds plants from six continents and various climates. Rare, endangered, protected by law, wild, ornamental and medicinal species are represented in their vast collections.The classes will be conducted in the field. During this module we will visit three institutions in Poznan: Botanical Garden of the Adam Mickiewicz University, Arboretum of the Natural Sciences University and the Poznan Palmhouse. Besides we will go to the Medicinal Garden of the Institute of Natural Fibers and Medicinal Plants in Plewiska and the Arboretum of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Kórnik. All localities are accessible by public transport. Each visit will take around 3 class hours. In two institutions entrance fees may apply.We will go behind the scenes, see special collections, and learn about ex-situ plant conservation and seed bank. Students will learn about management activities and legal responsibilities of botanic gardens. Educational role and public outreach will be presented and discussed. We will also learn why botanic gardens are islands of biodiversity of plants and animals in the city, and what role do they play in the international protection of the whole planet flora. For gaining a credit students will have to participate actively in the classes and pass a short written exam.

Reading list

Materials will be provided during classes.