Supporting biodiversity education
Gabrielle Anderson

A dramatic loss of local flora and fauna since European settlement threatens our unique environment. The number of endangered species in Australia continues to rise, and community education is crucial in the battle to preserve biodiversity.

In recent years the Foundation has supported biodiversity education through the Eco Ranger Program. This has been possible through the committed support of Rinker/Ready Mix.

The Parks and Wildlife Division of the Department of Environment & Conservation (DEC) developed the Eco Ranger program to complement the junior high school science syllabus for students in Years 7 to 8.

Biodiversity education in NSW is soon set to expand, and senior secondary students in Year 11 will be able to take advantage of a local eco-system program designed by staff at DEC.

Eco Ranger aims

Discovery Ranger Kerry Brady oversees students as they record their observations

The Eco Ranger program helps students gain the knowledge and skills required for biodiversity conservation. Students do fieldwork, biodiversity surveys and learn how to minimise negative environmental impacts.

Eco Ranger runs under the Parks and Wildlife ‘Discovery’ banner, a program which also came off the ground with Foundation funding. Eco Ranger assists teachers by having Discovery Rangers deliver the program, which is highly relevant to the Year 7 and 8 science syllabus.

A ‘Baseline Biodiversity Survey’ forms the core of the program. This is a practical field based activity for students to discover the diverse range of plants and animals in their study area. Students learn about scientific methods and practice collecting, recording and presenting data to their classmates. They then make recommendations on how the area could be managed in the future.

As well as learning these practical skills in biodiversity surveying, students develop habits which respect the environment and enhance their understanding of the natural and cultural value of an area.

New program for older students

Discovery Ranger Sue Kelly and students intent on their fieldwork

The DEC’s Parks and Wildlife Division has now developed a new biodiversity program for Year 11 students. It focuses on a “Local Eco-System”, which is a syllabus requirement of Year 11 Biology.

Twenty five Year 11 students from St John Bosco College at Engadine and their teachers gave the new program a trial run at the Royal National Park.

The Royal National Park provides a great example of natural diversity. Coastal heathland, rainforest, woodlands and mangroves can all be found in a relatively small area. The Park is home to an impressive array of flora and fauna, including endangered species such as the Green and Gold Bellfrog (Litoria aurea) and Regent Honeyeater (Xanthomyza phrygia).

Discovery Rangers Kerry Brady and Sue Kelly ran the first of the “Local Eco System” excursions. The students participated in classroom and field activities, conducted a base-line survey and learnt about the local eco system. Their teachers were impressed with the ‘hands on’ approach of the Rangers and the skills and learning outcomes the students gained on the excursion.

After a successful trial, plans are now to make the program available to schools across NSW.

Biodiversity links

www.environment.nsw.gov.au

www.amonline.net.au/biodiversity/

www.biodiversity.csiro.au

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