School excursion

Ecosystems at risk

Dorrigo National Park

Overview

Ecosystems at risk is a school excursion in Dorrigo National Park for Stage 6 (Years 11-12) students focusing on Geography and is designed to complement a case study of a particular ecosystem at risk.

Read more about Ecosystems at risk

The focus of this excursion is a geographical investigation of the functioning of a Gondwana Rainforest of Australia as an ecosystem at risk, including how it is managed and protected.

Students begin in the Dorrigo Rainforest Theatrette with a presentation that provides a background and context to the larger geological story of how the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia came to be; including the breaking up of Gondwana, the rift from Zealandia, the creation of the Tasman sea, the uplift of the Great Dividing Range and the orographic rainfall that sustains the forests today.

The presentation includes GIS images and maps showing vegetation types on the Escarpment in relation to aspect, topography and altitude, and includes a walk out on the skywalk to connect images and concepts in the presentation to the landscape today.

Students learn about threats to this ecosystem and management strategies used to address threats such as fire, weeds, feral animals, visitor impacts and a changing climate.

In a guided walk to the Crystal shower Falls students experience this ancient rainforest ecosystem, including natural and introduced threats and how these impacts are managed.

For program outline, safety and practical information about this excursion, see info for teachers

Stage	Stage 6 (Years 11-12)
Learning area	Geography
Student outcomes	H2. Explains the factors which place ecosystems at risk and the reasons for their protection. H5. Evaluates environmental management strategies in terms of ecological sustainability.
Objectives	Students will: Observe a highly diverse rainforest ecosystem, its geographical location and extent, altitude and biophysical interactions Explain the human impacts which place this ecosystems at risk and evaluate contemporary management practices in terms of ecological sustainability Understand the global significance of the site, possible future impacts, and strategies for managing these Apply maps, graphs and statistics, photographs and fieldwork to analyse and integrate data in a geographical context.

Excursion details

Availability: Guided. Available on request.
Where: Dorrigo National Park in North Coast
Duration: 4hrs
Grading: Easy
Price: $370 per group (includes GST). Maximum 30 students per group. For groups over 30 conditions apply.
Accessibility: Medium
Meeting point: Dorrigo Rainforest Centre
Equipment provided: Yes
Booking: If you would like to organise a NPWS school excursion please get in touch with local staff or use the 'Enquire' link for the online form.

Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/education/stage-6-geography-ecosystems-at-risk-dorrigo-national-park/local-alerts

Operated by

School excursion inquiries - North Coast
02 6657 5935
npws.northcoasteducation@environment.nsw.gov.au

Park info

in Dorrigo National Park in the North Coast region
Dorrigo National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

See more info for teachers

Info for teachers

All the practical information you need to know about Ecosystems at risk.

Program outline

Group meets at Dorrigo Rainforest Centre - welcome by Discovery Rangers.
Presentation by Discovery Ranger, summarising main natural and human impacts which put the ecosystem at risk, and management strategies and plans to combat threats.
Morning tea and toilet break
Guided walk from Rainforest Centre to Crystal Shower Falls and return to The
Glade Picnic Area (4.6km) for lunch.
Optional addition of role-play exercise. (3 hrs)

Getting there and parking

What to bring

Please wear fully enclosed shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen, wet weather gear, and lunch which should be low waste with a refillable water bottle. Students should bring gear in a backpack or similar (not plastic bags).

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Pre activity briefing: participants will be briefed at the start of the activity/day.

Safety equipment: NPWS staff carry radios and first aid kits, hold current first aid certificates and are aware of emergency procedures.

Staff accreditation: NPWS staff have current Senior First Aid accreditation. They are experienced in working with groups of students in the natural environment and have excellent knowledge of the specific areas they are visiting including potential hazards. NPWS is committed to a Child Safe and Friendly Environment. Our staff have been screened for child-related employment and have completed a Working with Children Check.

Emergencies: NPWS staff are trained to deal with emergencies and emergency procedures are in place. Ongoing supervision of a student following first aid treatment will be the responsibility of the visiting school.

Risk assessment and risk benefits

Our rangers and guides have the technical skill and experience to assess the risks and the benefits of a variety of activities delivered as part of our learning programs.

We believe in including opportunities that allow students to learn and experience for themselves through exploration in the natural environment.

Please make your own risk assessment based on the information provided. Detailed potential risks and controls are provided for the site to assist teachers in risk management planning. Teachers and carers should be aware of, and consider the needs, abilities and medical conditions of students when visiting this site. The supervision of students remains the responsibility of the teacher. The school must ensure an adequate number of adult supervisors are present.

Accessibility

Disability access level - medium

Sloping sections and steps on walking track. Not suitable for wheelchairs. Please let us know in advance if you are bringing someone with special needs so that we can plan accordingly.