Education

For ten years BFS Landcare has carried out nature conservation works together with Covenant College (Geelong). As part of the college’s Year 9 Community Service Program, BFS Landcare volunteers work with students in the Moorabool River Reserve, Red Gum Reserve and Dog Rocks Flora and Fauna Sanctuary.

The program kicks off with a guided walk with Kate Constance, a Nature Reserves Officer from the City of Greater Geelong Conservation Reserves team. The walk focuses on the importance of biodiversity, the river system and the existing assets in this area.

North Geelong Secondary College in the Dog Rocks Flora and Fauna Sanctuary

Each year the students remove swathes of South African Boneseed—a Weed of National Significance (WoNS)—from the Dog Rocks Flora and Fauna Sanctuary.

Agapanthus (a garden escapee) is another challenge in the Sanctuary. The students enthusiastically chip it out, enabling natural regeneration of indigenous species.

In Golden Plains Shire, under the watchful eye of Dale Smithyman the Natural Resources Officer, Batesford benefits from National Tree Day for Schools events and the ongoing maintenance program.

The Covenant College Year 9 students, together with BFSLG and partners, are making a valuable contribution to their community and the environment.