St. Michael’s Primary School in Daylesford has been awarded a $5,000 grant for a Biodiversity Nature Trail as part of the state government’s Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants program.

The front entrance to St. Michaels Primary School Daylesford is a very large open area of grass with a few mature, tall older trees. The proposal is to enhance habitat and plant life in the 1,420 m2 area to encourage native wildlife. 

“Our ‘Biodiversity Nature trail’ will allow the students at St Michael’s to develop an appreciation of Australian Flora as an integral part in our major Ecosystems,” said School Advisory Council Chair, Andrea Gardiner.  “This will be developed as a nature trail at the front area of our school by planting various areas of native plants, shrubs and grasses to ensure animal species and pollinators survive and thrive.”

A variety of native plants will be planted that are low maintenance, drought resistant and hardy and  which are indigenous to the local area. Researching the important plant sources for food and shelter for our local fauna, growing native trees, plants and shrubs that provide nectar seeds and berries providing food all year round for native wildlife.

Students will research and work together with local experts in grouping plants in mixed communities to provide diverse habitats and grow plants together that vary in height. The project will further allow investigations that will allow students to research the changes in pollinator numbers and species over time, as the plants on the nature trail change and mature.

“The grant we have received for our biodiversity nature trail will allow students to access areas of the school they wouldn’t normally spend time in,” said St Michael’s principal, Tim Hogan. “We have an environment club which takes place each fortnight and is available for all students over the course of each year. Students will benefit by spending time in this new space as they broaden their understanding of biodiversity.”

has awarded more than $409,000 to support the important work of 103 childcare centres, kindergartens, schools, Scouts, Guides and youth groups.

The Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants program has awarded more than $409,000 across the state to support the work of 103 childcare centres, kindergartens, schools, Scouts, Guides and youth groups. Grants of up to $5,000 were awarded for educational activities that engage children conservation and environmental projects that improve and expand habitat for native plants, insects and wildlife.

Other local schools to benefit from the program are

  • St. Brigid’s Primary School in Gisborne which will receive $4000 to improve Gisborne Botanical Gardens’ biodiversity by planting indigenous vegetation and creating habitats,
  • Hesket Primary School which will receive $1750 for their Biodiversity Blitz, and
  • Candlebark School which will receive $567 for the Tye Estate BioBlitz.

Local member, Mary-Anne Thomas congratulated schools on their successful grant applicaitons. “These innovative projects showcase the important role our young people play here in Macedon in protecting local native wildlife and plants into the future – not only shaping a cleaner, greener and thriving future for our community but for all Victorians,” she said.

For more information on the Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants program, visit environment.vic.gov.au/grants/victorian-junior-landcare-and-biodiversity-grants