In the lead up to World Environmental Day, celebrated on 5th June each year, our Environmental Student Leaders from Years 5 to Year 8 assisted Lalor Landcare with restoration work at Edgars Creek.
Edgars Creek is located within the ‘Woody Grasslands’ of the Victorian Volcanic Plain and has a catchment on the basalt plains in Wollert. It flows south through the suburbs of Epping, Thomastown and Reservoir, to join the Merri Creek at North Coburg.
The students were divided into two groups and took turns participating in various activities. One group implemented jute matting along the creek, which was generously sponsored by Melbourne Water. Jute matting is an environmentally friendly and biodegradable material that helps stabilise soil, prevent erosion, and promote plant growth.
The second group cleaned the weeding area near the creek and collected mulch using wheelbarrows. Mulching plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy and thriving landscapes by retaining moisture, suppressing weeds, regulating soil temperature, and improving soil structure.
Afterwards, our Environmental student leaders planted a total of 75 plants on the jute matting and in the mulched area. The planting was carried out in clay soils, and selected species such as ‘Happy Wanderer’, Sweet Bursaria’, 'Nodding Saltbush’, ‘Rock Correa’ and ‘Prickly Moses’ were chosen.
The hands-on session provided our students with practical skills and valuable insights into nurturing and growing plants. Well done to them for their active participation and contribution to the Edgars Creek Restoration Project. Your efforts will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the local environment.