Students giving KI little penguins a helping hand
Sunny days and blue skies set the scene at Emu Bay on Wednesday, 18 March, as Kangaroo Island students took action to protect the island’s coastline and its iconic little penguins.
Hosted by KI Landscape Board Environmental Education Coordinator Deb Laver, the first Young Environmental Leaders (YEL) forum for 2026 gave primary students the opportunity to learn about their local environment through hands-on projects and leadership opportunities.
Twenty-five Year 5 students from Kangaroo Island Community Education (KICE) took part in the program, refurbishing and installing penguin burrows to directly improve habitat for one of Kangaroo Island’s most recognisable coastal species.
KI Landscape Board Environmental Education Coordinator Deb Laver said the program is about building confidence, skills and leadership in young people.
“The Young Environmental Leaders program gives students the opportunity to get their hands dirty and make a real difference,” Ms Laver said.
“They’re not just learning about the environment — they’re becoming leaders who care for it.”
Students spent the day hammering, drilling and assembling burrow lids, supported by volunteers from the Rotary Club of Burnside.
They also conducted a coastal bird survey and learned about the importance of Acknowledgement to Country from KICE Aboriginal Support Worker Sharon Gaskin.
The project supports ongoing efforts to protect little penguins, which face threats from habitat disturbance, introduced predators and changing ocean conditions.
Ms Laver said it is important to remember that penguin boxes are only a temporary measure to provide suitable shelter and nesting for little penguin populations until native vegetation has been able to reestablish and provide adequate shelter for these birds.
“A lot of community effort has gone into revegetating this stretch of coast along Emu Bay’s beachfront,” Ms Laver said.
“Native plants and natural hollows always provide the best nesting opportunities for our waddling feathered friends.”
In 2025, the KI Landscape Board improved habitat across Emu Bay and Penneshaw, controlling invasive weeds and planting 800 native species to strengthen breeding areas.
The newly installed burrows will be monitored as part of the island’s annual penguin census.
Ms Laver said the program highlights the strength of community partnerships on Kangaroo Island.
“This is what happens when schools, community and volunteers come together,” she said.
“We’re building the next generation of environmental leaders right here on Kangaroo Island.”
