Local wetlands used by university students as practical session in environmental education

Abstract

A Cairns coastal plain wetland constructed from three old sand mining pits, surrounded by urban development and sugar cane fields, serves as a practical learning centre for tomorrow’s teachers. The Cattana Wetlands are being used by James Cook University students enrolled in a Graduate Diploma of Education course just three kilometres away, to promote community awareness of the wetlands through the development and use of environmental educational materials. The project, Cattana Wetlands Environmental Education for Sustainability, is a partnership between James Cook University, Cairns Regional Council and Terrain Natural Resources Management, with funding from the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country initiative and the Queensland Government.