Earthwatch Student Challenge

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) offered at Aberfoyle Park High School includes a course called Environmental Systems and Society. This course provides students with an understanding of ecosystems and investigating the factors by conducting a range of field scientific data collection techniques. 

Xander is a 1st year IBDP student that has won a fully-funded George Alexander Foundation (GAF) Scholarship and a place on the Earthwatch Student Challenge Team for the expedition at Calperum Station from 2-8 October 2022. 

The five day program will allow 13 students to become a part of the long-term process of collecting scientific data on the Calperum Station in the Murray River and Mallee region. This will achieve a better understanding in design and implementation of land management for restoration programs. 

Xander will be conducting field research with a focus on the surrounding ecosystems with biological inventory surveys, understanding the effects of environmental watering, restoring and monitoring degraded communities. 

The work involves a range of collaborations with research and management organisations from across Australia, including the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN), the University of Adelaide, the Murray and Riverland Landscape SA Board, and the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office. The findings of this research will help the Australian Landscape Trust (ALT), who own and manage Calperum and Taylorville Stations.

I would like to congratulate Xander for taking the time and incentive to independently write his application and win this position giving him access to hands on experience and working in collaboration with environmental scientists and other like-minded professionals caring for our region.