An Urban Adventure

Mark 

Haebich

Teacher - Outdoor & Environmental Studies

A few weeks ago, our Unit 2 Outdoor & Environmental Studies (OES) class completed a 20+ km cycling journey through Melbourne’s urban environment, following the Merri Creek and Yarra River corridors.

The ride placed a strong emphasis on student responsibility, decision-making and risk management. Students were responsible for managing their bikes and equipment, maintaining safe spacing, communicating hazards, making decisions at road and trail crossings, responding to changing conditions and supporting the group throughout the journey.

Along the way, students used the landscape as a classroom to explore key OES concepts including urbanisation and its impacts on natural environments, recreational uses of urban waterways, conservation and environmental management, and the economic values associated with these environments.

The ride also explored the pre- and post-colonial history of the Merri and Yarra, visiting significant locations including Dights Falls and the confluence of Merri Creek and the Yarra River. Students considered the long-standing connection of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people to Country and the profound changes associated with European colonisation. At the confluence, we discussed John Batman’s 1835 attempted treaty with Kulin leaders, commonly known as the Batman Treaty, and what it tells us about changing relationships with Country following European arrival.

Another highlight was visiting the grey-headed flying-fox colony at Yarra Bend/Studley Park. Students observed the remarkable presence of a large native flying-fox colony within a city of around five million people and considered the importance of protecting habitat within highly urbanised environments. We discussed the important ecological role flying-foxes play as pollinators and seed dispersers, helping maintain the health and regeneration of native forests.

The day provided students with an opportunity to experience, observe and discuss these concepts in the environments themselves, while successfully managing the physical and practical challenges of a substantial urban cycling journey.

Many thanks to Mr Molan for bringing his group-management and riding skills to the program, and well done to the whole class for the sound decision-making, curiosity and sense of adventure they demonstrated throughout the day.