Students help protect rare Kangaroo Island plant
Young Kangaroo Islanders are helping protect one of the island’s most threatened plants while developing the skills and confidence to become environmental leaders in their schools and community.
Year 5 KICE students visited MacGillivray this term, taking part in a hands-on Young Environmental Leaders (YEL) forum where they learned about and helped monitor the endangered Beyeria bush-pea (Pultenaea insularis).
The small native plant is found only on Kangaroo Island. During the field day, students learned how invasive weeds including Bridal Veil and Bridal Creeper can threaten native vegetation, and how grazing by kangaroos and wallabies can affect vulnerable plants.
They then put that knowledge into practice, working together on monitoring and plant protection activities at key sites along Elsiegood Road.
Kangaroo Island Landscape Board Environmental Education Officer Deb Laver said the program gave students an opportunity to contribute to genuine conservation work and supporting volunteers from the South Australian Threatened Plant Action Group.
“Environmental education is most powerful when young people can get outside, work alongside local experts and see that their actions have a real purpose,” Ms Laver said.
“I learned that there are 52 endemic species of plants on Kangaroo Island” said YEL participant Angus. “It was really involved which I liked” added Archie.
Ms Laver said YEL participants weren’t just hearing about a threatened species in the classroom. They were in the field, learning how the Beyeria bush-pea is monitored, understanding the pressures it faces and helping with work designed to protect it.
“The students brought enormous energy and curiosity to the day. They asked thoughtful questions, worked as a team and showed that young people can make a practical contribution to caring for Kangaroo Island’s environment.”
The YEL program is open to Year 5 students and combines environmental learning with leadership development. Students take part in practical activities and projects, build skills in public speaking, peer teaching and problem-solving, and share their knowledge with their school communities.
Forums also give students a chance to meet young people from the other KICE campuses, exchange ideas and learn directly from environmental professionals and community groups.
Ms Laver said the program was designed to build both knowledge and confidence.
“Our aim is to help students understand the landscapes around them, but also to help them recognise their own ability to influence what happens next,” she said.
The program is delivered at no cost to participants, with support from the Kangaroo Island Landscape Board and funding from the Government of South Australia.
