Denmark Agriculture College students lead presentation at Caring for our Marvellous Wetlands event

WA College of Agriculture Denmark students led a presentation on Wednesday at an event highlighting the importance of wetlands conservation.

The students from the school’s Certificate II in Forest Growing and Management class, lead by tutor Albert Adams, were invited to present at the event by environmental group GreenSkills.

The Caring for our Marvellous Wetlands event was held at the Denmark Wetlands Education Centre, which was originally planted as a farm forestry plot by Agriculture College students in 1990.

The students are currently working to upgrade the site through sustainable land care, removing weeds and invasive tree species which are then used in the school’s eco-firewood enterprise.

On Wednesday, the students presented on the ways in which wetlands conservation and viticulture can work together.

Also in attendance were members from the local environmental groups GreenSkills, Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee as well as members of the Shire of Denmark.

Anthony Wise from forestry management company PF Olsen Pty Ltd also gave a presentation.

WA College of Agriculture Denmark principal Rebecca Kirkwood said the day was a great opportunity for the students to present on what they have learned about in the classroom.

“I think it’s important as an agricultural college that we don’t teach our curriculum in isolation, we need to ensure that our curriculum is relevant and current to industry practices,” she said.

“By engaging with local groups, it ensures that we have rich partnerships, and that our learning is meaningful.”

Ms Kirkwood thanked GreenSkills for asking the students to attend the event.

“I think it’s great that people in the community feel that they can approach the college to act in partnership for things that are important in their local community,” she said.