Ocean Shores Public School Wetland Restoration Project

In 2009 WetlandCare Australia began working with Ocean Shores Public School to restore the school’s wetland. The wetland is important habitat for native fauna species and contains two endangered ecological vegetation communities, but was heavily impacted by invasive weeds and lack of connectivity. Since 2009 the project has achieved many major milestones, starting with the development of the Wetland Management Plan to guide restoration work.

Habitat values were greatly improved by removing a dilapidated fence line impeding the movement of fauna between the school and adjoining areas of bushland reserve. Nest boxes were also installed, which attracted hollow dwelling species such as sugar gliders,  and over 500 trees planted  in areas where there were gaps in the canopy and along the wetland edge buffer zone.  Numerous invasive weeds were removed such as lantana, blue billygoat weed and broadleaf paspalum grass, which allowed for the natural regrowth of native flora species.  Improvements to the hydrological connectivity of the wetland were achieved by installing a series of pipes under the Discovery Trail so that normal flow is returned to a previously blocked section of the wetland.

Testament to the success of the restoration works was the discovery of a living Mitchells Rainforest Snail, a critically endangered invertebrate who calls the school’s wetland home, and also an anvil site. An anvil site is a collection of shell fragments where the Noisy Pitta bird  uses rocks to break open the snail’s shell before eating it.

To help link this work to the students’ learning, the Wetland Discovery Teaching Kit was developed which contains a series of wetland related activities and lessons for Stages One to Three. Seven learning stations were placed at key points along the Wetland Discovery Trail,  designed to support the lessons and activities in the Teaching Kit. The Kit can also be adapted for use by schools around Australia according to their individual needs.

During this time the school community, students, teacher’s parents and friends have taken an active role with the restoration works through participation in the annual wetland celebration day, tree plantings and other activities to help restore the wetland back to its natural state. The teachers use the Teaching Kit to educate a new generation on the importance of caring for our precious environment. 

You can see the latest news from this exciting project in the news feed below.

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