THE Saints have marched in and given a fast facelift to a Lighthouse Beach reserve.
In just two hours, the 37 Saint Columba students planted and watered 200 rainforest seedlings and spread mulch along part of Matthew Flinders Drive.
They also braved the hot sun to “bash bitou” on the dunes while learning about the destruction of bushland during sand mining decades ago.
Port Macquarie Landcare volunteers worked alongside the students and were impressed by their energy.
“We could see that they enjoyed getting their hands dirty for a good cause,” said Landcare’s Julie Ho.
“Their work really helps because they are stabilising the reserve, which is all sand. The right native plants are the best engineering to keep that sand in place against erosion by wind and waves.”
The Year 8 students were doing community service on 2 April, while at the same time learning about plants and geography in a “hands on” way.
“Getting students involved is very important because they are actually part of the change – a change they can see as they watch the seedlings grow,” Mrs Ho said.
This section of Lighthouse Beach is gradually returning to its original rainforest vegetation, thanks to a $20,000 Community Action Grant from the Federal Government (Caring for Our Country). Contractors and volunteers are controlling serious weeds such as bitou, senna and morning glory so that littoral rainforest can thrive.
The Birpai traditional custodians have also participated in restoring this reserve under the Federal grant.
“Residents who would like to know more can check Landcare’s website at www.landcareportmac.com.au or come and talk with us when they see a Landcare working bee sign” Mrs Ho said.
