Students at Margaret River Independent School (MRIS) will soon reap the education rewards from a series of programs being implemented at the school.
Thanks to three successful grant funding applications, the school will receive $28,000 from the National Community Landcare grant, $19,740 from the WA State government's National Resource Management Program, and $5,800 from the Shire of Augusta Margaret River's Environmental Management Fund.
Overseen by Bushland Management Officer Cass Jury, the campus projects will allow to school to continue management of the adjacent bushland and build on existing environmental education programs.
"Margaret River Independent School has a long history of promoting both stewardship of the bush with its school community, and undertaking science in the bush," Ms Jury explained.
"It is unusual for a school to be managing a large piece of bush, and with the school increasing in size and with increased fire regulations, MRIS wishes to ensure that biodiversity of the area is not compromised," she said.
The grants have allowed the school to install two Black Cockatoo nest tubes, undertaken weed and disease control, and have begun the development of a website based on the Nyindamurra Nature Trail and the history of the school environment.
"MRIS is now working with traditional owners on implementing a cultural burn in the bush and expanding its cultural awareness program," said Ms Jury.
"The school is home to 7.65 hectares of good condition jarrah marri remnant vegetation, and we're committed to the long term protection and enhancement of this vegetation for biodiversity and education outcomes."
Principal Wendy Roediger said the grants, along with Ms Jury's expertise and management, would eventually see the school's indigenous seasons and bushland education expand to all grades.
"We find ourselves in a unique position with this bushland and with access to so much knowledge from scientists, local experts and traditional owners, we are thrilled to be sharing this with a wider group."
Next month the school will host workshops for students on environmental weed identification and control, and traditional burning.
To find out more about the school and programs visit www.mris.wa.edu.au
Nicky Lefebvre
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
