Limestone Coast Youth Environment Council were treated to an overnight stay recently at the picturesque Mount Burr swamp.

Sixteen students participated in the outdoor adventure, which was hosted by the Limestone Coast Landscape Board education team.

The Limestone Coast Youth Environment Council (LCYEC) provides an opportunity for like-minded secondary students (Years 7 – 10) to come together to learn, experience and take positive steps towards improving the environment and local landscape.

The two-day camp at Mount Burr enabled students to explore their local landscape at the restored swamp site while forming friendships with peers.

The camp began with a cultural awareness session run by First Nations Elder Doug Nicholls where students were taken on a walk through the stringy bark forests and discussed habitat and significant plants and animals in the landscape.

Wildlife carer Julia Dangerfield provided a great insight into the role of a wildlife carer and the impact they can have on injured animals found in the landscape.

“Being able to cuddle the swamp wallaby joeys and a Krefft’s glider that Julia is hand raising was an amazing experience,” Limestone Coast Landscape Youth Environment Council (LCYEC) mentor Maya said.

“Caring for wildlife and their habitat, to ensure they are safe is important to me.”

Students were treated to the delightful chorus of frogs after dark which emphasised the importance of restoring wetlands like Mount Burr Swamp.

Wetlands are critical for species like the endangered Southern Bell Frog and protecting their breeding cycle.

Nature Glenelg Trust ecologist Bryan Haywood provided an informative session and night walk around the wetland.

Students assisted with revegetation on the second day and were treated to a nature journaling workshop to finish off their outdoor camping experience.