Area of Study
The forest reserve adjacent to the township of Koonwarra, the open woodland in
the Thompson's Estate, Inverloch, and the coastal scrub near Screw Creek at
Inverloch provide a variety of ecosystems for investigation.
Each area has been protected as an established reserve but the development of
adjacent land for housing and farming has had a big impact on the survival of
native species.
These areas are easily accessible and have parking, picnic and toilet
facilities nearby.
Aims of Excursion
- Examine and compare forest, woodland and coastal scrub ecosystems
- Study the abiotic (non-living) factors that are specific to a particular ecosystem
- Observe and classify the variety of organisms that live within each ecosystem
- Search for and study the mini beasts that inhabit these areas
- Investigate how plants and animals are adapted to survive in these areas
- Identify how introduced plants and animals affect these areas
- Discover why it is essential to protect and maintain our bush and woodland communities
Work sheets are available from Bunurong Coast Education
for these activities.
Time Required
Depending on your focus and the year level involved, these activities would
easily fill a day excursion, particularly if you also intended to study other
coastal ecosystems within the area and visit the Shell Museum at the Bunurong
Environment Centre, Inverloch.
Equipment Required
To carry out studies within the distinct ecosystems the following equipment would be useful:
Tape measures or hula hoops to mark out quadrants
Thermometers and pH meters to compare abiotic factors
Hand lenses
BCE provides some materials in consultation with visiting schools.
Supporting Resources
The Bunurong Environment Centre has leaflets and books available.
