Forest & Woodland Ecosystems
Introduction to the 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.
Possible aims for the visit
- 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 (BCE) for the activities listed above.
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 quadrats
- thermometers and pH meters to compare abiotic factors
- hand lenses
BCE provides some materials in consultation with visiting schools.
Recommended resources
- Environmental Activities around Inverloch - SGCS, $5
- Screw Creek Nature Walk - $1
These resources are all available from the Bunurong Environment Centre, Inverloch.
