Biodiversity in Schools -Term 3

Lucy Kyriacou – Education Lead 

Lucy with a “mangrove mate” with Crib Point Primary students

There is something incredibly rewarding about seeing young people roll up their sleeves, get their hands dirty, and discover that they can make a real difference in their local environment. Over the past few months, we’ve been fortunate to share many of those moments with schools and communities across Western Port. 

Term 3 was filled with hands-on learning and environmental action. At Crib Point Primary School, the Sustainability Stars began growing mangrove seedlings for our Restoring the Coastal Wetlands of Western Port project under the guidance of Cindy Devonport. These seedlings represent the next generation of coastal habitat and growing them is a powerful way for students to learn about coastal wetland ecosystems and to contribute directly to local conservation. 

(Shout out to Cindy – she is our wonderful and talented French Island resident and contractor who puts her hand up to everything, from growing mangroves, to advising on and tackling invasive weeds, to delivering workshops to schools and community.) 

Through our Bendigo Bank-funded Elevating Education project, students from Wallaroo, Hastings and Crib Point primary schools took part in koala awareness workshops and planting days, adding more than 500 native plants to their respective school grounds. Western Port Secondary College students braved plenty of mud during a Planet Ark Schools Tree Day, helping contribute to a revegetation project with a vision to plant 10,000 trees. We also continued restoring the school’s bush block alongside EcoSkills, providing THRIVE students with valuable skills in bush regeneration. 

Wallaroo Primary planting habitat

Meanwhile, Luther College Year 9 students returned to Conservation Hill for their third geography excursion of the year. Exploring mangroves, wetlands and wildlife is always memorable, but as usual, the crab survey stole the show.

Term 4 has already started with energy and enthusiasm. From school planting days and a THRIVE camp at CERES Environmental Park, to STEM workshops with Monash University and upcoming Seniors Week wetland walks, there is a real sense of community coming together around nature, learning and wellbeing. 

We will be at the Coolart Picnic on November 1st, and running a Summer by the Sea events program again at Point Leo Foreshore Reserve in January. We are also planning several mangrove planting events so we’re looking forward to a busy and inspiring summer. Please visit our website and socials to keep connected and find out about ways you can sign up and get involved.