Port Macquarie Landcare volunteers were hard at work again last week, leading a team of 20 very enthusiastic Year 8 students from Port Macquarie High School.
The students are currently studying Sustainability and Natural Resources as a part of their Geography class.
A “hands- on” excursion to the Landcare “Sea Change” site at Wattle Street, Port Macquarie had the students elbow deep in mulch, to assist with a clearing and revegetation of the area, and involve them in acting as Active Citizens within the community.
In a five way venture between Wyndham Vacation Resort, Flynns on Surf, Sea Change, Landcare and National Parks and Wildlife Service the ultimate goal is to protect the Macquarie Nature Reserve by clearing all weeds along Wrights Creek which runs through or adjacent to these properties.
Di Davidson and Mr White from Port Macquarie High School walked the students to the site, where they were met by the Landcare team. Bill Peel briefed the kids on the site, what the goal was, safety aspects and how to handle the tools and equipment.
The 13- and 14-year-olds donned their gloves, and with pitch forks and wheel barrows at the ready, were progressing through the three large piles of mulch in no time.
The project will continue over the next few weeks.
The area will be planted in a few weeks time with some low growing vegetation, to ensure the safety of residential areas adjacent to the Wattle Street site.
As the vegetation through the area is highly flammable, fire retardant plants will be used to reduce the weed growth, enhance the area and ultimately protect the Macquarie Nature Reserve.
All adjacent weed works to Macquarie Nature Reserve assists enormously with funding bids for Landcare, the Council and National Parks and Wildlife Services, to ensure the protection of our local fauna
and flora.
If you would like to become a Landcare Volunteer and can spare just one or two hours a week, please phone 6583 6508 or
0432 141 605, email info @ landcareportmac.com.au or visit the website www.landcareportmac.com.au
