SUSTAINABILITY
LITTLE STONES HABITAT GARDEN
Bittern Primary School has been awarded a 2026 Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grant! This exciting funding will bring our Little Stones Habitat Project to life, transforming an underutilised, muddy patch of grass and dirt into a thriving naturalised dry river bed and seasonal water corridor.
By mimicking a natural creek system, the project will sustainably manage stormwater runoff and localized flooding while creating a rich, self-sustaining micro-ecosystem. The area will feature natural contours, rocks, logs, and locally indigenous plants from the Mornington Peninsula to attract birds, pollinators, reptiles, and amphibians. Conceptually and physically, this space will connect with our existing yarning circle and spiral path, celebrating culture, inclusion, and natural play.
Little Stones Habitat Project Overview
| Attribute | Project Details |
|---|---|
| Key Features | Dry river bed, seasonal water flow corridor, shallow vegetated infiltration basin, rocks, and woody debris |
| Target Environmental Issues | Localised flooding, habitat loss/fragmentation, declining pollinator populations, and soil erosion |
| Flora & Fauna Impact | Locally indigenous wetland and riparian vegetation; supports native bees, butterflies, birds, and frogs |
| Community Connections | Links physically to our school yarning circle and spiral path |
How Our Students Will Be Involved
This project provides a powerful, hands-on opportunity for our students to develop deep environmental stewardship through sequential phases:
- Designing & Pre-Shaping: Sifting through dream designs and kicking off initial shaping via student "digging clubs" before heavy machinery arrives.
- Site Preparation: Working alongside community volunteers to clear grass, shape the river bed, and position donated logs and rocks.
- Layout & Planting: Planning plant layouts, followed by whole-school planting days to establish indigenous grasses and shrubs.
- Long-Term Care & Study: Classes taking shared responsibility for watering, weeding, creating signage, and monitoring wildlife return to imbed biodiversity into the curriculum.
Keeping Our Habitat Thriving
To ensure the long-term success of the corridor, the school is implementing a robust maintenance plan:
- Our dedicated Garden Guru will spend one full day per week managing plant health and leading the weekly Hands-On Learning program.
- The student Gardening Club (our mini garden gurus) will handle regular upkeep, building practical skills and pride during recess and lunch.
- Community Working Bees will be scheduled throughout the year to tackle larger seasonal tasks.
A massive thank you to everyone involved and we look forward to working with everyone who can contribute materials, equipment, and labor to get this project off the ground. We cannot wait to see our students digging in!