Over 630 students from six local schools partnered with Kingborough Council’s Natural Areas and Biodiversity Program in 2025, contributing to the care and restoration of local reserves.
Mayor Paula Wriedt said these projects not only supported environmental restoration but also provided valuable learning opportunities and strengthened students’ connection to their local environment.
“The care and contribution of these young people in Kingborough is highly commendable,” Cr Wriedt said.
“Restoration projects at Whitewater Creek and Margate Rivulet engaged students from Kingston and Margate Primary Schools in activities focused on connection, belonging, and improving habitat for local wildlife through revegetation and weeding.
“High school students from Tarremah Steiner School and St Aloysius Catholic College learned about river ecosystems and the role of plants in improving water quality while restoring Huntingfield Creek.
“Year 9 students from Calvin Christian School and St Aloysius Catholic College cared for bushland reserves in Kingston and Barretta, removing an impressive nine cubic metres of rubbish and establishing native plants.
“Students learned about the unique natural values of these reserves and were encouraged to feel welcome in these places, building lasting connections and deeper understanding.
“This initiative also reflected the strength of collaboration, with students responding to a request from the Kingston Beach Landcare Group, to help manage a significant spring flush of weed growth.
“Classes from Snug Primary School and St Aloysius Catholic College explored the beautiful coastal environments of Snug and Blackmans Bay.
St Aloysius students restoring the Barretta Bushland Reserve.
“They discovered how rivers, ocean tides, weather patterns, and geology interact to shape our coast, and the incredible adaptations animals make to survive in these dynamic habitats.
Kingston Primary School teacher Lesley Wood said students loved their project and were fully engaged with their “special place.”
“Many students are determined to take their families along to see their trees,” Ms Wood said.
Kingston Primary School classes caring for their area of Whitewater Creek in Kingston.
Tarremah Steiner School horticultural teacher, Sophy Millard said, “the plants students established at Huntingfield Creek are already attracting native birds.”
“When we participate in ecological restoration, we tend to our relationship with the land, which in turn strengthens our sense of belonging, place, and community,” Ms Millard said.
St Aloysius Year 9 Ignite Program teacher Peter Kay praised the program.
“It has been a wonderful opportunity for our Year 9 students to contribute to the environment in the Kingborough municipality, under the wonderful guidance of Bridget Jupe,” Mr Kay said.
Cr Wriedt also noted Council’s ongoing support for the Eucalyptus Walk at Margate Primary School.
“It’s a wonderful showcase of the Eucalypt species that grow in the catchment, first supported by Council in 2009,” Cr Wriedt said.
Artwork by Kingston Primary School student, May.