Elster Creek Wildlife Walk

St Columba's Primary School and the EcoCentre have collaborated to create the attached guided walk from Elsternwick Park to the bay along the Elster Creek and Canal path.  The walk is a fun, family-friendly activity to share over the school holidays. The walk introduces walkers to the natural history of the area and identifies some of the special fauna species that live within it, with a particular focus on species that use trees as a habitat.

In 2019 St Columba's was fortunate to receive Community Environment Grant funding to improve the arboreal/tree habitat on campus.  The existing trees were assessed by a consulting arborist and new species were recommended, with final species selections made in consultation with the Grade 6 sustainability leaders. Last year the Green Team and volunteers planted 36 new small tree species on campus with the funding received.

Part of the funding was for learning incursions for students focusing on the habitat requirements of local species as well as a guided community walk. COVID restrictions have meant that some of the group incursion activities could not proceed as planned, so the walk materials have been produced as a self-guided walk instead.

We hope the resource inspires families to spend some time together in nature and learn about the fascinating species with whom we share our home.

This project received grant funding from the Australian Government's Communities Environment Program.

Guided Walk