25 Oct 2019
On 22 October, 28 Woodport students from stage 2 and 3, with a particular interest in environmental studies, took part in the international Bioblitz program. The intent of the program is to engage communities of “citizen scientists” worldwide to conduct field studies and collect data on populations of local plant and animal species.
Our students were accompanied by students from Chertsey and Budgewoi Schools at Bateau Bay. I-Pads were used to photograph and record species encountered on our bush walk. We were pleasantly surprised to see many hard to find bird species including spotted pardalotes and kingfishers. Whales were also sighted frolicking in the ocean from vantage points.
Students also learned about the many values of trees, including the provision of habitats for animals and the reduction of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Following that, the students carefully planted eighty native tree saplings in a reserve to regenerate previously cleared areas.
Our day was concluded with a talk from a wildlife expert who spoke about the importance of preserving plant and animal species. The children were particularly delighted to meet a ringtailed possum, Harriet the huntsman spider, a goanna, tree frog and a fruit bat.
Our environmental leaders thoroughly enjoyed their day and left with many inspired ideas about how we can be doing much more to support biodiversity in urban environments.