Local students received a hands-on experience heading out into the landscape to learn about the many roles land management has to offer as part of the Lucindale Area School Career Immersion Day.

The Limestone Coast Landscape Board with the Department for Education led the hands-on approach which showcased a range of career options and provided students with information about the expertise of roles such as ecologists and landscape officers.

Landscape Education Co-ordinator Vanessa Freebairn said listening to various staff members talk about their career paths, education and life experiences provided an insight into the world of landscape management.

“The students enjoyed getting out into the community and helping to improve the landscape by removing environmental weeds whilst experiencing first-hand the different roles within the LC Landscape Board,” she said.

Communities helping Cockies coordinator Dr Abigail Goodman gave students an overview of the role of an ecologist.

She described the variety and breadth of work she undertakes, and then provided a practical example of the decisions that are made to establish a shelterbelt, including selection of the right species and determining the number of tubestock to order.

“Showcasing the range of projects and variety of work we undertake at the Limestone Coast Landscape Board provides a deeper understanding for the next generation of students,” she said.

“It was fantastic to be involved in this day and support students with career options.”

Limestone Coast Landscape Board Landscape Officer Grace Porter-Dabrowski provided a weed demonstration at a nearby local property where students were involved in the removal of the weed Boneseed.

“Being involved with landowners as well as the physical work of weed removal gives students a better understanding of what is required for bush management of remnant vegetation,” she said.