Students join green team at Windmills

Dunsborough Coast and Land Care teamed up with the Department of Parks and Wildlife and South West Catchment Council to undertake a revegetation project on land which was previously invaded by Geraldton carnation weed.

Volunteers planted about 1000 seedlings at Windmills Surf Break on Tuesday to restore coastal heath vegetation in the area.

Dunsborough Primary School Year 4 and 5 students, a group of JWS Training Horticulture trainees and DCALC volunteers where among those who helped with the planting.

DCALC co-ordinator Lorraine Duffy said the revegetation area was previously filled with Geraldton carnation weed, which was sprayed at the break as part of a DPaW project to control the weed.

“With rapid rates of growth, prolific seed production and the ability to form thickets which compete with native species, the weed presents a very serious threat to biodiversity in the area,” she said.

Dunsborough Primary School teacher Lauren Smith said the project helped students learn beyond the classroom.

“They not only get to be playing in our backyard, but also get to feel good about making a difference and restoring the environment,” she said.

“It gives them a sense of responsibility for the natural backdrop that we are so lucky to live in,” she said.

The project, which was funded by Coastwest, also saw works implemented by the Department of Parks and Wildlife to install box steps and improved drainage along the Windmills beach access track.

Ms Duffy said the box steps stopped erosion which was forming as a result of poor surface water management and increased foot traffic.

The track has also been stabilised and drainage improved by re-forming the existing track with hard-packed limestone, which will direct water off the sides of the track and stop the track from eroding.