Richmond Landcare Incorporated (Landcare Network Richmond Catchment)

Restored Wetland Education Pilot

Using the site as an educational epicentre to educate students on the importance of wetlands.

Restored Wetland Education Pilot

Using the site as an educational epicentre to educate students on the importance of wetlands.

Showing the Difference -

LLCI033-024

The issue

Cattle grazing and sugar cane production had modified the original Ballina wetland leading to its degradation. The RTA/RMS began the restoration process in 2007 as part of their Pacific Highway Biodiversity offset.

Educating students and teachers on the importance of wetlands and their relationship to river health.

 

The solution

Over 1 week 5 schools participated, 1 school each day.

PRIMARY Yrs 3-6

The students took part at the Ballina Wetland: Water testing & bug surveys using microscopes. Learning about the journey of water throughout the catchment through role play. Bird watching techniques - over 3 days students observed and listed 40 species of birds.

 HIGH SCHOOLS Yrs 10-11

The senior students took part in measuring the water’s pH, turbidity and temperatures. They compared and contrasted 2 sites - the restored Ballina Wetland to the degraded Tuckean Wetland

 

 

The impact

  • Students and teachers were shocked measuring the Tuckean’s pH to learn that it only measured 3. No fish or birds were evident here.
  • The importance of the Ballina wetland in relation to local & migratory bird populations.
  • Establishing strong partnerships, working as Collaborative Leaders.
  • The land owners of the Ballina Wetland, the RMS were very supportive of our pilot project and “…The Roads and Maritime Services, Pacific Highway upgrade would be delighted to be involved with the next educational program that Richmond Landcare holds on the property.”

Learnings

What Worked:

  • Teaching the teachers
  • Water testing - bird Watching which highlighted the importance of birds in the natural system
  • MOST definitely the comparison of a recovering wetland to a distressed wetland such as the Tuckean
  • On-site learning. you can't get the impact unless you see the problem and the solution first hand

 

 

Key facts

  • The Wetland Restoration process
  • Comparison of restored and degraded wetlands
  • Awareness of birds returning to the Ballina wetland, both local and migrating birds
  • Educating students, teachers and the community on the importance of Wetlands
  • Wetlands as a fish breeding area and its relation to river health

Project Partners