Plants need animals, animals need plants. But do they need humans? On this excursion students will explore, through hands on activities and field visits, the biodiversity of our forests, its inhabitants’ relationships and how humans are impacting and managing the forest ecosystems. Create your own excursion for a single class or up to a whole year level through our choice of activities.

Core activities; choose one of either:

Biodiversity observations
What is in our forests? At several locations in the forest students will observe and record the diversity of plant and other life in the environment. Students will then group the diversity based on similar features and use provided keys to identify their findings.

Science, HASS, Priorities - Sust. Duration – 1 Hour 40 minutes

Protecting our threatened fauna – Western Shield

Our wildlife is under threat! So how is Parks and Wildlife managing the threats to our unique native animals. Students will learn about our unique wildlife conservation program – Western Shield. How do we monitor fauna populations? What strategies are we employing to limit the threat posed by introduced predators?

Science, HASS, Priorities - Sust. Duration – 1 Hour 40 minutes

Optional activities: 

Choose:

Animals in their habitats
Does a section of the jarrah forest have the resources necessary to support a reintroduced population of one of our threatened species? Students explore the forest as habitat by looking into food webs, shelter requirements, vulnerability to predators to decide which threatened species should be re-introduced to this area.

Science, Priorities - Sust. Duration – 1 Hour 40 minutes

OR TWO of

Changing times - changing forests
After nearly 200 of harvesting timber, much of our jarrah forest now is very different to its original condition. Harvesting of native forests no longer takes place and management is now focused on restoring our forests and making them resilient to impacts of climate change. 

Science, HASS, Priorities - Sust. Duration – 50 minutes

On a forest walk students will discover the range of strategies plants utilise to survive in our harsh environment. Strategies include – symbiotic relationships, leaf modifications, hidden and protected growth points, leaf coatings.

Science. Duration – 50 minutes

Animal evidence
When in the forest you won’t always see animals but they leave their “evidence” behind. Using keys students will unlock evidence to determine a range of forest dwellers.

Science. Duration – 50 minutes

Eco walk
Enjoy a guided walk through the forest, focusing on key plant species and signs of animal activity.

Science. Duration – 50 minutes

COST: $17.50 per student (minimum student numbers apply)

Excursion runs from 10am to 2pm including morning tea and lunch times.  Groups arrive at 10 am then have 15-20 minutes for morning tea, activities commence after morning tea. Finish times can be adjusted to your needs.

Venues:

• Wellington Discovery Forest, near Bunbury
• RAC Margaret River Nature Park

Please note:

1. Maximum students per group is 32. Multiple groups can be accommodated.
2. Our booking officer will get back to you via email to confirm your excursion within 7 working days.