By Matthew Sims
Students from Maranatha Christian School’s Officer campus received some hands-on learning about how to develop a healthy garden and how to plant trees earlier this week, thanks to a Landcare Australia grant.
The school was one of 123 schools and youth organisations to receive support in the 2023 Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grant program, receiving $4362 to drastically increase the school’s biodiversity by creating wildlife corridors on either side of the campus at Officer, provide a haven for local wildlife and contribute to the State Government’s plan to stop the decline of native plants and animals and improve the natural environment.
Delivered through Landcare Australia’s Junior Landcare program and funded by the State Government, the grants provided young people the opportunity to engage in outdoor, hands-on biodiversity focused projects or learning activities that provide both environmental and educational outcomes.
The school hosted a Tree Planting Day on Tuesday 28 May, with Cardinia Council mayor Jack Kowarzik also lending a hand in planting trees and installing protective sleeves with the students.
He even stopped to answer some questions from older students who completed a unit on local laws earlier in the year.
Garden coordinator and ex-student Jade Spruitenberg said she was excited to receive the news of the school’s success in receiving the grant.
“I couldn’t be happier with how the day played out; we were really blessed with glorious weather,” she said.
“It was fantastic to see all the students out enjoying nature and working together during their planting time.
“It was great to hear them talking to each other during break and excitedly telling their parents what they had done at the end of the day.
“We can’t wait to watch the plants grow and observe what new wildlife these habitats bring to our campus for years to come.”
All trees, shrubs and grasses selected were native and indigenous to the area, which will in turn provide food species and habitat for native insects and birds.
Cardinia Men’s Shed members have also supported the school in installing new nesting boxes.
Long-time volunteer Margaret Edgar was also a key helper on the day.
For the past 12 years, Margaret has been coming in each week to help maintain the school’s Discovery Garden, despite her children and grandchildren departing the school years ago.
Head of campus Jenny Rus said the initiative was a fun and interactive way to teach the students about how to protect the native plants and animals which contribute to the school’s rich and natural environment.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to get hands-on and out in nature,” she said.
Student Hannah said she had fun during the planting day watering the plants and learning about the process.
“I really liked using the hammer to put the sticks in; I’ve never done that before,” she said.
Student Ethan said he enjoyed meeting Cr Kowarzik and working with him on the project.
“I liked asking questions about the mayor,” he said.
“It was cool to take the plants out of the pots and see them growing inside.”
