Sustainability

Year 10 & Year 12 Enviro Excursion

On Wednesday 21st February, our Year 10 and Year 12 Environmental Science classes took part in an excursion to the Moonlit Sanctuary and Edithvale Wetlands, offering a closer look at biodiversity and the challenges faced by the native endangered animals.

Moonlit Sanctuary introduced us to Australia's diverse wildlife, emphasizing the relationships between different organisms and their environments. We were able to see a variety of animals and got hands-on, by feeding the wallabies and kangaroos at the Sanctuary. The visit underscored the significance of preserving biodiversity to maintain a balanced ecosystem.

Edithvale Wetlands showcased the vital role of wetlands in supporting various bird species, especially migratory birds. We got the chance to sight birds in the wetlands and took a trip to a nearby habitat that was inhabited by a range of animals. The trip deepened our understanding of the importance of these ecosystems in maintaining biodiversity.

A focal point of our excursion was the endangered, Orange-bellied Parrot. Through engaging discussions and on-site experiences, we learned about the threats to the parrot species including habitat destruction and challenges it faces during its annual migration from Tasmania to the Australian Mainland. We also received insight on the conservation efforts at Moonlit Sanctuary including a captive breeding program to ensure the survival and increase of Parrot population. However, the Moonlit Sanctuary cannot do this work alone, through donations and visits to the Sanctuary they can fund crucial programs that protect biodiversity, and promote a healthy environment, making the Sanctuary a worthwhile spot to visit when you have a chance.

Overall, the excursion broadened our understanding of how significant biodiversity is and why we should all work to protect it.

Tess Macpherson

Year 12 Environmental Science student

On the 21st of February, year 10 Environmental science went to the Moonlit Sanctuary and the Edithvale Wetlands. We got the chance to meet some lovely people who were willing to take their time to talk to us about how climate change is poorly impacting the world. We firstly went to the Moonlit Sanctuary learning about how climate change has impacted different habitats and how that is badly impacting different species. Along with that we got the chance to learn about different animals and meet them up close. We got the chance to touch a python and we also got the chance to touch a Tiliqua rugosa (also known as shingleback, or a bobtail lizard). We also got the chance to feed some wallabies. Along with that we got the chance to understand how deforestation has been impacting koalas. After the Moonlit Sanctuary we went to Edithvale Wetlands. We also learned how the wetlands are slowly disappearing due to climate change. We also got told why and how the wetlands are crucial to the environment and why we need them. This was a lovely day out and learning why we need to learn about climate change.

Hannah Sims

Year 10 Environmental Science