LEARNING ACTIVITY
Creating a wildlife habitat: planting
Category: Biodiversity
Climate Region: Arid | Temperate | Tropical
State or Territory: ACT | NSW | NT | QLD | SA | TAS | VIC | WA
Age Range: 7-13

STORY

The children needed to learn that they have to provide access to food and shelter to the wildlife they want to attract. Suyin asked her teacher if she could invite her Grandad to talk about the importance of native plants to native wildlife. Grandad knew a lot about plants and animals, and has a great way of helping young people understand their important relationship.

The students learnt that it is important to plant a diversity of species to ensure that the animals have food all year. Grandad explained that it is important to understand the climate of your area to choose the right plants, so that will have the best chance of growing and surviving, and why it is important to plant them properly. Suyin was so proud that Grandad had so much information to share and the students were all eagerly listening.

ACTIVITY OVERVIEW

Planting is an essential part of the project, enabling your planning and design to come to fruition. The Research, Vision and Design activities have provided you with all the information you need to plant a garden and create a wildlife habitat.

This learning activity is the fourth part of a sequence of 5 individual learning activities focused on creating a wildlife habitat. The order of these learning activities are: research, vision, design, planting and monitoring and care.

Outcomes

For children to:

  • understand the steps involved in creating a wildlife garden and habitat
  • look at planting a diversity of native plant species forms to support animals all year
  • enjoy being active and productive outdoors and build their social and teamwork skills
  • understand the importance of site selection.
SEASONAL NOTES

Planting depends on your climate and the type of plants you want to use. In temperate Australia, Autumn is generally the best time, as it gives the plant time to grow its roots and establish itself before the hot Summer. During the warmer months (Spring and Summer and Autumn), it is recommended that you run this as a morning learning activity. This will help avoid heat stress for people and plants.

Did you know?

Climate zone impacts the type of plants that will grow in your local area.

Did you know?

Local native plants have adapted to the specific conditions in your area; they are more likely to thrive than plants from a different region.

Did you know?

Local plants provide the most suitable habitat for local native wildlife; especially if a mixture of plant types for trees, shrubs and groundcovers are selected.

Did you know?

Incorporating local plant species can help develop an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ culture through investigating traditional use of native plants.

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Why not try one of our other Junior Landcare learning activities?

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