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