World Environment Day is Sunday 5th June and the Surf Coast Secondary College students have already begun to help protect valuable Surf Coast flora and fauna in today’s Coast Guardians session.
This year’s theme for World Environment Day – Go Wild for Life – encourages everyone to celebrate all species under threat and take action of your own to help safeguard them for future generations.
GORCC Education Activity Leader Hilary Bouma said World Environment Day was about protecting all animals or plants that are threatened.
“Mega fauna such as tigers, rhinoceros and gorillas are impressive species, however we also need to look after our smaller local threatened flora and fauna to prevent global extinction,” she said.
The Coast Guardians program helps to educate year 9 students about how to protect and enhance their coastal habitats.
The Surf Coast Secondary College students planted more than 40 new sea rush plants (Juncus kraussii) along the edge of Spring Creek, Torquay to help stabilise the river banks and create nesting habitats for waterbirds and reptiles.
The students have spent the past six weeks working in coastal environments from Point Impossible to Jan Juc in an effort to help revegetate important Moonah Woodlands, which are listed as threatened, and habitat.
Ms Bouma said that World Environment Day recognises the importance of all native species and she encourages everyone to take an active role in the protection of Great Ocean Road coast’s threatened species.
“Everyone can help protect our coastal flora and fauna starting in their own backyard. Selecting native and indigenous plants for the garden, rather than environmental weeds, such as agapantha plants, is a simple way to ensure the protection of vital ecosystems along our coast,” Ms Bouma said.
The Coast Guardians program focuses on delivering hands on protection along the coast and focuses on understanding the importance of the whole ecosystem.
Are you interested in getting involved in coastal protection along the Surf Coast? Find out how you can get involved in environmental volunteering or our education programs on our website.
Great Ocean Road Coast Committee Blog 