Limestone Coast educators are being given the tools for water literacy in the region, with an understanding that local youth will inherit the legacy of our decisions today, and dry times are reinforcing the critical nature of understanding water resources.
Educators from across the region are participating in water sessions this year to learn more about the critical role of water in our landscape.
They recently visited the globally recognised wetlands at Port MacDonnell as one in a series of workshops.
Claire Harding and Bradley Clark-Wood from National Parks and Wildlife SA gave an engaging presentation about Piccaninnie Ponds, Ewens Ponds and Pick Swamp.
Limestone Coast Landscape Board educator Damien Bickley said these wetlands provide habitat to a wide range of native plant and animal life, supporting biodiversity in our landscape.
“The Limestone Coast is home to some of the world’s most distinctive and globally recognised wetlands,” he said.
“By sharing the importance of karst springs and fen wetlands, we hope to inspire educators to pass this knowledge on to their students, fostering a deeper appreciation for our local landscape.
“One key takeaway from the recent session was the crucial role groundwater plays in maintaining the health of coastal wetlands. Wetlands serve as vital refuges for migratory birds relocating to permanent water in the drier parts of the season.
“It is important we all work together to keep these areas full of native plants providing habitat for endangered and threatened bird species that nest in the area.”
Mr Bickley said the importance of water in our landscape has many elements.
“The six-part series looks to identify the significant role water plays on a local level within the Limestone Coast,” he said.
“Focussing on a different topic each session with a showcase of learnings scheduled at the end of the school year. Other topics include exploring the purpose of the drainage network and town water.”
The next session in the series will explore the importance of water in First Nations culture.
Visit lc.landscape.sa.gov.au to know more about water in the landscape and the valuable role it play.
