Students dig deep

A group of committed local students and their teachers are helping to preserve precious bushland in Salter Point.

The iconic Mount Henry Peninsula is the largest section of remnant bushland within the City. Conserving this natural area is of vital importance as the Peninsula forms a critical wildlife corridor that allows fauna to move along the Canning River Foreshore.

A total of 185 native plant species have been recorded on the Peninsula, including commonly found orchids as well as plants listed as priority species, which are under imminent risk of extinction. This bushland provides habitat for quendas (a small marsupial), dugites, and various birds, including the endangered Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo and Red-Tailed Black Cockatoo, which feed on dense thickets of banksia and hakeas.

Coordinator of Aquinas College’s Mt Henry Peninsula Conservation Group, Maddison Nicholls, says students from Pre-Primary to Year 12 enjoy taking part in the school’s Bush Care program. In 2023 alone, their students contributed 591 hours to bush care on the Peninsula.

“Involving them in the care of the Mt Henry Peninsula helps foster environmental awareness and instils a sense of responsibility for the natural world. It educates them about the value of biodiversity, ecosystems and the need for conservation efforts,” Maddison says.

“When students actively participate in caring for native bushland, they develop a sense of ownership and empowerment over their environment.”

Maddison points out that participating in these programs offers many benefits for the students, including improved mental health and increased wellbeing.

“It is these types of hands-on learning experiences that cannot be replicated in a classroom setting. Our students get to see firsthand the importance of conservation and the impact of their actions on the environment,” she says.

If you would like to volunteer with the group and have a valid Working with Children Check, call Aquinas College at 9450 0600.