wetlands

Wetlands Visit

We are so lucky to have two really good journalists.  Thanks, Mitchell, for this report on our Wetlands excursion with Tracey. 🙂

On Tuesday 13th September the Year 3s visited the Margaret River Wetlands with Tracey Muir from the Cape-to-Cape Catchment Group.  The purpose of the visit was to investigate the macroinvertebrates that live there.  They collected samples and were able to closely examine the individual tiny creatures.

Tracey also told them what habitats the macroinvertebrates use to keep themselves safe, such as:

• Logs and trees
• Rocks by the shore
• Pits in the sand at the bottom of the water

Other creatures that they found while collecting samples included tadpoles, fish, spiders and various insects.  This showed that the wetlands is home to many more creatures than just macroinvertebrates, so it must be a healthy environment for animals to live in.

The Year 3s thoroughly enjoyed the trip and it was another very educational visit hosted by Tracey.

Wetlands Excursion on PhotoPeach

HEALTHY WETLANDS

Another thoughtful summary from our journalist, Sofia, on Tracey’s visit to talk about our macroinvertebrate excursion.  Great job, Sofia!  🙂

On Tuesday the 6th of September we had another visit from Tracey from the Cape To Cape Catchment Group. First Tracey talked to us about macroinvertebrates. Macroinvertebrates are not microscopic, but they are small; small as in you can just see them with your own eyes. Macroinvertebrates are insects without a spine and they keep the wetlands healthy.

After that Tracey told us about some of the things we need to keep our wetlands healthy. Some of the things she suggested were things that gave macroinvertebrates homes or food. I would like to list some of the things that we need in our wetlands to keep them healthy. Here they are:

• Trees (to give shade and block out the sun) • Sticks (so the animals can make their homes) • Sedges and Rushes (provide food) • Rocks (give homes)        

The reason these things are needed is what these things do.  For example, the trees give shade and block the sun. It’s good to have a healthy environment in the wetlands because they are very important for the environment. Wetlands are important because they provide water sources for animals. Animals like fish and birds need the wetlands to survive. They also prevent flooding by holding water. In my opinion, I say wetlands are good to have because they keep lots of things like the macroinvertebrates healthy. We should do something about keeping our wetlands like they are. It’s best if you keep the environment how it is and not add anything to it or take away anything from it. We should keep our wetlands and macroinvertebrates healthy forever.  Everyone enjoyed Tracey’s visit and learned a lot.

Sofia