Students at Tomaree Public School are taking conservation into their own hands, working to protect one of New South Wales’ rarest native plants.
The initiative, delivered by the NSW Government’s Saving our Species program, focuses on the endangered Villous Mintbush.
Fewer than 250 plants remain in the wild across coastal NSW, including in Tomaree National Park on Worimi Country.
Saving our Species program officer Katie Elsley said the plant was selected to allow students to physically understand their outside environment.
“Villous Mintbush was chosen because it helped pupils connect with conservation in a tangible way,” she explained.
“It’s a really interesting and attractive plant to look at, touch and smell, which makes it a great species for hands-on learning.”
Over four sessions, students took part in habitat walks, nature journaling and observation exercises designed to build awareness of local biodiversity.
with Tomaree Public School
They also visited a Villous Mintbush population in Tomaree National Park, where they learned how to collect plant cuttings.
The cuttings were later potted at Ngioka Nursery and will eventually be replanted on school grounds once they are established.
Tomaree Public School teacher Annique Wilson said the program allowed youngsters to apply classroom learning in a practical setting.
“Students learned how to care for their local environment and protect species that need saving,” she added.
“They were able to engage with the science, literacy and visual arts curriculum outside of a classroom setting, to deliver real conservation outcomes.”
Back at school, students have prepared a dedicated site where the plants will be monitored and maintained.
They will take on the role of custodians, tracking plant health and reporting their findings to the Saving our Species team.
The program aims to build long-term environmental values by giving pupils the opportunity to participate in real conservation work at an early age.
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