Suitable for Years 3 to 12

Incursion

Western Australia’s three cockatoo species are critically endangered—but there’s hope!

From bushfires and mining to habitat loss and climate change, Western Australia's iconic black cockatoos face increasing challenges to their survival. The good news is that simple actions can make a real difference.

In this hands-on conservation project, students will investigate the threats facing black cockatoos and explore how restoring feeding and roosting habitat can help protect these remarkable birds. Working together, they will assess their school grounds, identify suitable planting locations, and develop a plant care guide to help their seedlings thrive and provide valuable food sources for cockatoos well into the future.

All plants are provided, and students will use basic hand tools to take meaningful action for wildlife conservation while learning about the importance of creating and maintaining habitat that supports cockatoos for generations to come.

Snap on a Scientist (+$400)

Enhance your program with a visit from renowned cockatoo researcher Christine Groom.

Christine will share her expertise on black cockatoo ecology, the challenges these birds face, and the critical importance of protecting and restoring feeding and roosting habitat. She will then guide students through a practical site assessment of their school grounds, helping them identify the most suitable locations for planting.

When you choose the Snap on a Scientist option, the first session is extended to 1.5 hours. This package also includes a copy of Creating Cockatoo Friendly Suburbs for your school.

Please request this option when booking. Subject to availability.

Venue: Your school

Duration: 2x1 hour (1 hour site assessment prior to the planting day and 1 hour on the selected planting day)

COST: One class (up to 30 students) is $600 per class (this cost covers both sessions). Price includes GST and 15 tube-stock plants  

Did you know? Round One of the State Government’s $10 million Let’s Grow Grants program is open for schools and community groups to deliver urban greening projects that boost tree canopy in Whadjuk (Perth) and Bindjareb (Peel). Find out more information and further resources for your school here: Let's Grow Grants

Please note:

1. Plants are best planted in late autumn to spring. This incursion is not recommended for first or fourth term. 
2. Ensure your school has sufficient areas to plant this vegetation. We follow these recommendations about planting setback distances from road verges:
• In quiet suburban streets (speed limit 50km/hr or less), plant at least 3-5m back from road verges.
• For busy roads (speed limit higher than 50km/hr), plant at least 10m from road verges.
• Never plant black cockatoo food plants on median strips; this is too dangerous for the birds. 
3. Landowners (eg. Department of Education etc) permission must be obtained before planting can commence.
4. Choose anytime to take you to the booking page, where you can request a specific time for your incursion. 
5. Maximum students per group is 30. Multiple groups can be accommodated.
6. Our booking officer will get back to you via email to confirm your incursion within 7 working days.
   

If you have any questions regarding this activity, please email us at n2n@dbca.wa.gov.au. You need to submit and online enquiry form for any program, no bookings will be taken via email or phone.