20 June 2025
Hands-on restoration builds skills and connection as students tackle invasive species and plant native dune stabilisers.
On Friday 20th June, students from ReGen Alliance’s Youth Environmental Connection Program participated in an immersive conservation experience at the Nobbys Beach Landcare site, working alongside long-time site coordinators Chris and Barb, who generously hosted and guided the day.
Despite a few of our regular students being unwell, we were thrilled to welcome a total of 11 students, with a few new faces stepping in to fill the vacant spots — a great example of the program’s flexibility and growing interest among youth.
The day began with introductions and a warm welcome from Chris and Barb, followed by a brief history of the site and a comprehensive safety induction (SWMS). Students were then given the freedom to choose from two core activities:
Planting native dune stabilising species, or
Targeted removal of invasive weeds, including Bitou Bush (Chrysanthemoides monilifera), Sea Rocket (Cakile maritima), and Gazania.
Before the session, students had already completed a classroom-based lesson comparing Bitou Bush with its native lookalike, Dune Fan Flower (Scaevola calendulacea), and were excited to apply their identification knowledge on site. This made the experience more meaningful, as students could confidently distinguish between native and invasive species in the field.
Throughout the day, students worked independently or in pairs, actively participating in restoring this valuable coastal ecosystem. The hands-on nature of the activities encouraged teamwork, problem-solving, and a deeper understanding of how their work contributes to broader environmental goals like dune stabilisation, biodiversity enhancement, and ecosystem resilience.
Key Outcomes From the Day:
16 people worked on site (including students, staff, and Landcare volunteers)
45 total volunteer hours contributed
115 native tubestock planted, including:
Westringia fruticosa
Carpobrotus glaucescens
Ficinia nodosa
Correa alba
Acacia terminalis
Callistemon spp.
2 large Bitou Bush plants and numerous smaller seedlings removed
Additional weed removal: Sea Rocket and Gazania
2 wheelbarrow loads of mulch spread
55 litres of water transported and applied, using Seasol, Terracottem, and Wettasoil to support plant survival
The energy among students was high throughout the day, with plenty of friendly banter, curiosity, and moments of pride in the work they accomplished. Many expressed surprise at the physical effort involved in regeneration work and a new appreciation for the natural spaces they often visit without noticing the complexity behind their maintenance.
This kind of real-world learning environment is what sets the ReGen program apart — allowing young people to connect with nature, contribute meaningfully to their community, and develop a stronger sense of identity, purpose, and place.
A huge thank you to Chris and Barb from Nobbys Beach Landcare for generously hosting our group, sharing their knowledge, and supporting the next generation of environmental stewards.
We’d also like to acknowledge and thank Hunter Region Landcare Network, whose funding and ongoing support make these field experiences possible.
Want to help Chris and Barb at Nobbys Beach Landcare and get involved?? This site meets the first Sunday of each month. For more information please email landcareadmin@ncc.nsw.gov.au