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The Limestone Coast Youth Environment Council (LCYEC) launched its 2026 program with an insightful first forum, exploring environmental land management through hands-on learning at local restoration sites.
The LCYEC is a free Limestone Coast (LC) Landscape Board education program which gives a group of students in year 7 to 10 opportunities to learn about natural landscapes and promote environmental conservation and sustainability.
The group visited the LC Landscape Board’s karst springs and alkaline fens restoration site, experiencing the project in its early stages. Dr Emma Maxwell, Project Coordinator for the LC Landscape Board, highlighted the importance of wetlands in our region’s landscape. She advised that, “Rare and threatened ecosystems like karst springs and alkaline fens are invaluable to many species.” Dr Maxwell spoke about the site’s history and future restoration plans, emphasising the role of data collection in guiding successful outcomes.
To support this work, the group assisted by setting up habitat cameras on the property to monitor species which interact with the area currently. Monitoring is beneficial to assess native, and potential pest species on the property which can help inform management plans moving forward. LC Landscape Board educator Damien Bickley explained that “It’s a fantastic opportunity for young students to learn conservation skills they wouldn’t usually be exposed to at this age. It’s a win for the future of our landscapes.” While installing the cameras the students were in awe of the beautiful Stratmans Pond and quickly recognised the site’s unique features and significance for conservation.
Dr Maxwell was excited to share the work of the LC Landscape Board with such a passionate group keen to learn about and help protect the region’s unique landscapes. “It’s always great to discuss the project with our community, and particularly those who will witness the site’s progress and benefits over their lifetime.”
The LCYEC had a fantastic excursion and are already looking forward to continuing their learning and exploration at Forum 2 in July.
Learn more about the Limestone Coast Youth Environment Council
