Harmony Forest Regeneration Project
MR ROB JENNINGS
YANDINA STATE SCHOOL PROJECT ACTIVITIES
Project Description
Harmony Forest Regeneration Project
The Harmony Forest Regeneration Project aims to combine innovative education pathways involving the regeneration of existing vegetation on Yandina School grounds and developing a green corridor linking this existing vegetation with the Creek adjacent to the school.
Overview
Community Involvement
Engage local community members with school staff and students to plan a short and long term Biodiversity Management Plan for increasing the biodiversity of the school grounds and adjacent bush/creek areas and creation of green corridor connecting the creek with existing vegetation area on school grounds. An essential element of the Plan will be to identify and document environmental threats and significant species.
Develop a Weed Removal Management Plan
Remove weed species from existing vegetation on school grounds. Weeds will be removed by community volunteers and students. Weed removal methods utilitsed as per South East Queensland Restoration Manual. Professional arborists will be employed for the removal of the large radiata pines, camphor laurels and Chinese Celtis. Felled trees will be chipped where funds permit. Several large Camphor Laurels will be left onsite to retain canopy whilst community input will be garnered as to the future of these trees. If decided, methods of removal utilised will including planting of native figs within trees and planting of native species immediately adjacent. Additionally, basic pathways will need to be established for access to each area to enable work to be carried out.
It is anticipated approximately …… days will be required to remove all weeds.
Weed species present onsite include:
- Radiata Pines
- Camphor Laurels
- Ochna
- Vine Weeds
- Cocos Palm
- Chinese Celtis
- Camphor Laurel
- Umbrella Tree
(Funded by Everyone's Environment Grant Application, Round 3, 2014)
Revegetation with Native Species
- Revegetate area in conjunction with Weed Management Plan. Approximately 2000 plants across existing vegetated area and area along eastern boundary of school linking existing vegetation with local creek. RE Mapping and References included. Planting by students and volunteers under guidance of professional Bush Regeneration Specialists using approved planting methods. Attention to habitat and topography will be paramount.
- It is envisaged the replanting of existing vegetated area will be completed in four stages throughout the year. Approximately one planting day per term will be planned.
Development of Richmond Birdwing Butterfly Environment Plan
- Planting of Richmond Birdwing Butterfly host/feeding species in collaboration with the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly Society, (see letter of support attached). Approximately 200 plants (included in total 1000 plants)
- Develop monitoring program with Richmond Birdwing Butterfly Network, school staff and students to ensure data is supplied to local Land Care Groups, special interest groups and Sunshine Coast Regional Council.
(Funded by Everyone's Environment Grant Application, Round 3, 2014)
Bush Tucker Garden
- Construction of Bush Tucker Garden for student and community use. Students and volunteers will plant species in designated area for use in education and community projects. Collaboration with community Indigenous Leaders and indigenous Yandina Primary School students will be prioritised to ensure integrity of project.
- Approximately 300 plants (included in total 1000 plants)
(Partly funded by Everyone's Environment Grant Application, Round 3, 2014)
Restoration of Outdoor Classroom
- Existing timber seating and podium to be restored for use by students and staff. Restoration to be completed by local community members/volunteers.
- Creation of access pathways
(Funded by Yandina State School P&C)
Creation of Sculpture Walk and Performance Space
- Development of pathway through vegetation incorporating display of student sculpture and artwork.
- Development of performance space to enable educational and musical performances to take place, including enabling the school's Indigenous dance, music and educational programs to take place. Local community groups, such as the newly created Yandina Scouts Group, Lions and Lionesses and Rotary will be encouraged to use this space for community events.
- Work to be completed by community volunteers and school students and staff.
(Funded by Yandina State School)
Revegetation of Local Creek
- Revegetation of local creek adjacent to school grounds will be carried out in conjunction with Yandina Land Care, Noosa Land Care and Land for Wildlife officers from Sunshine Coast Regional Council.
- Revegetation will include removal of weed species along riparian zone and subsequent planting of indigenous species. Attention to erosion control will be prioritised. Volunteers will carry out work under the guidance of professional Bush Regeneration Specialists.
(Funded by Everyone's Environment Grant, Round 3, 2014)
Milestones
Milestone 1 – March 2015
- Completion of Weed Tree removal
- 3 weeding days completed
- Planting of indigenous species through Zone 1 – approx. 300 plants
Milestone 2 - June 2015
Weed Maintenance of Zone 1 ongoing
Plant Maintenance of Zone 1 ongoing
Restoration of Outdoor Classroom completed
Milestone 3 - September 2015
- Weed maintenance of Zone 1 ongoing
- Planting maintenance of Zone 1 ongoing
- Plant out area linking existing vegetation to adjoining creek - approx. 300 plants
Milestone 3 – November 2016
- Weed Maintenance of Zone 1 and 2 ongoing
- Planting Maintenance of Zone 1 and 2 ongoing
- Planting of Bush Tucker Garden – approx. 200 plants
Milestone 4 - March 2016
- Creation of Sculpture Walk and Performance Space
- Removing weeds and planting – approx. 200 plants
Milestone 5 - June 2016
- Creek revegetation – weed management and planting
Milestone 6 - September 2016
- Maintenance of Zone 1, 2 and Creek ongoing