Science in the Field: Restoring Rivers, Reimagining Futures.
The Peel Wetlands Stage 6 River Health Workshop empowered students to investigate real-world environmental issues through fieldwork and scientific inquiry. Guided by experts, students assessed water, soil, and ecosystem health, applying systems thinking to propose sustainable management strategies—developing both scientific skills and a deeper connection to land stewardship.
- LEP-23
The issue
The Peel Wetlands region faces environmental challenges stemming from cumulative impacts of agricultural practices, floods, irrigation, residential development, and land-use change. These pressures contribute to ecosystem degradation, particularly affecting water quality, riparian health, and soil function. A lack of long-term, community-based ecological monitoring limits the ability to effectively manage and restore the health of the local catchment and river systems.
The solution
The Stage 6 River Health Workshop, led by Katie Rowe from Farrer Agricultural High School, and supported by TRLA provided students with immersive, hands-on learning in field science, data collection, and ecosystem analysis. Collaborations with experts introduced practical strategies such as riparian restoration, water quality monitoring, and soil assessment. Through real-world scientific engagement, the workshop empowered students to understand complex systems, propose sustainable solutions, and contribute to long-term ecological monitoring across the catchment. Further students from various Schools around the Peel region will utilise the Peel Wetlands for their environmental education learning outcomes.
The impact
These environmental pressures have altered the natural flow and health of waterways, disrupted biodiversity, and reduced soil resilience. Without intervention, this could lead to diminished ecosystem services, reduced agricultural productivity, and long-term damage to the natural heritage of the region. The absence of youth engagement and scientific literacy around land stewardship further exacerbates the problem.