In June 2008, the Australian Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Arts listed the natural temperate Grassland of the Victorian Volcanic Plain as a critically endangered ecological community under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation act 1999 (EPBC Act).

Characteristically, grassland communities are dominated by grasses with trees either sparse or absent.  The soil of grasslands is often quite fertile and is generally volcanically derived or alluvial.  There are many rare or threatened plant and animal species occurring in grassland ecosystems, and as communities, grasslands are classified as threatened.  Grasslands exist throughout the world in temperate areas and in Australia, particularly on the plains of eastern Australia.  In Victoria, grasslands have been reduced by such an extent that threat of extinction is real and imminent unless they are managed correctly.  Less than 5% of the Western Volcanic Plains grassland’s original remain occurring in mostly small, highly fragmented remnants.  Many animals and plants that inhabit these grasslands are now listed as critically endangered or extinct in the wild.

Key Learning Question

What interactions occur in grassland ecosystems?

There are two options available for students to experience grassland ecosystems:

Option 1: Ecolinc visit

At Ecolinc, students will participate in three workshops:

1. The Roo Keepers Wildlife Zoo - An up close and personal encounter with animals from The Roo Keepers Wildlife Zoo.
2. Grassland ‘Amazing Race’ – students will participate in an interactive ‘Amazing Race’, exploring grassland and grassy woodland plants and animals, adaptations, environmental factors and feeding relationships. 
3. Abiotic & Biotic Factors –students will learn about the role of detritivores in the grassland ecosystem by examining dung beetles, worms and other compost bugs and then explore how these animals impact on abiotic factors such as soil.

Option 2: Ecolinc and Mount Rothwell visit, with a dusk walk

1. Grassland ‘Amazing Race’ – an interactive ‘Amazing Race’ exploring grassland and grassy woodland plants and animals.
2. Abiotic & Biotic Factors –students will learn about the role of detritivores in the grassland ecosystem by examining dung beetles, worms and other compost bugs and then explore how these animals impact on abiotic factors such as soil.

Option 2 - The day is outlined below:

Note:

• Only available in Terms 2 & 3.
• Times may change depending on time of year.
• Maximum number of students is 50 per day.
• Additional cost per student applies for entrance to Mount Rothwell.
• Teachers need to be aware that if the temperature is above 35 degrees and/or the weather conditions are extreme, Mount Rothwell will not accept students on site.  In this situation, students undertaking this program will participate in the alternative program on site at Ecolinc.
• Students will need to bring appropriate clothing according to the time of year and forecast.  This includes solid footwear as well as a waterproof coat and hat.
• Students will also need to bring a torch for the nightwalk.