Nature Conservation Margaret River Region’s expanded Adopt a Spot education program is now reaching a record 11 schools and almost 450 kids who are learning about nature and how to care for it.
The conservation group has three dedicated youth environment programs and Adopt a Spot is the longest running with 10 years of success. It involves Year 4 students from schools across the Capes region, with each class learning about a nearby area of bushland, river, foreshore or coastline and then caring for it by weeding, planting native seedlings, watering, bagging and staking the plants.
And thanks to a funding boost from the Line in the Sand philanthropic group, Adopt a Spot has now expanded from 9 to 11 schools with the addition of schools Dunsborough Primary School and Our Lady of the Cape Primary School, both located at the north of the Capes region. The students will be caring for Meelup Regional Park and Dandatup Brook.
In the past 12 months, Year 4 students across the entire Adopt a Spot program planted more than 2000 cuttings, almost 900 seedlings, and laid down 5 trailer-loads of brush to protect seedlings and dunes. Sites that have been cared for and rehabilitated include riparian zones along the Margaret River and its tributaries, as well as coastal and foreshore conservation at some of the region’s most popular beaches, including Redgate, Hamelin Bay, Cowaramup Bay and Yallingup.
Meanwhile, Adopt a Spot now has two program officers – new recruit Kathi Galeani and Mandy Polley, who also runs the group’s Cape Naturaliste Conservation Enterprise program.
Adopt a Spot officer Mandy Polley
Mandy says the students relish the chance to learn from and work alongside on-ground conservation experts, bush regenerators and traditional owners to care for their local bush or coast. “The kids, teachers, parents and volunteers in our Adopt a Spot program are all keen to get their hands dirty, to make a difference and actively care for the landscapes we all love,” she says.
“Being connected to nature is so important for our wellbeing and to counteract the doom and gloom. It’s a way to recharge and feel inspired, knowing we can make a positive difference.”
Nature Conservation Adopt a Spot officer Kathi Galeani
Nature Conservation’s program manager Cass Jury says environmental education is vital for inspiring the stewards of tomorrow and a key part of the not-for-profit group’s work. He also says the group works closely with the community and collaboration is the key to success.
“Which is why we’re immensely grateful to our ever-growing list of partners and supporters including Line in the Sand,” she said. “Without them we couldn’t raise awareness, inspire commitment, empower action and be a strong voice for the special nature of our region.”
Line in the Sand founder Howard Cearns agreed conservation is “most effective when organisations work together towards a shared goal”. “By combining Nature Conservation’s deep local knowledge with Line in the Sand’s ability to provide funding and strategic support, we can create lasting environmental change,” he said.
“We believe that real change happens when passionate people are empowered with the right support. Through partnerships like this, we’re not just funding projects— we’re fostering a collective effort that will protect and sustain the region for the long term.”
Adopt a Spot is generously funded by Line in the Sand group as well as the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River.