Coastal Environment Centre

Pittwater Council Vision - To be a vibrant sustainable community of connected villages inspired by bush, beach and water.

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Geography Year 12 Careel Bay Fieldtrip

Careel Bay Wetlands Program - An Ecosystem at Risk

Student Outcomes

Students will:

  • Explain how biophysical interactions have produced this ecosystem.
  • Use a range of resources and field techniques to investigate spacial patterns and biophysical interactions of an intertidal wetland.
  • Observe and identify a range of both positive and negative human impacts.
  • Evaluate current management strategies to see if they are ecologically sustainable.
geog12careel

Field Trip Planning: Read Careel Bay Ecosystem Summary as provided

Sample Ecosystems at Risk Program:

11:45 If continuing from the Avalon Dune Field Study in the morning or start at 11:00. There aren't any toilet or shop facilities in Careel Bay so I would recommend a stop before arriving for the 3 hour session. Possibly stop at Avalon Beach SLSC which you pass through just before Careel Bay.
Refer to field map for starting location for Saltmarsh study area. Meet Coastal Environment Centre Educator. Draw the saltmarsh profile and compare this area on aerial photos. Identify its spatial patterns and dimensions. State why this threatened area has diminished over time. Measure and record a number of physical parameters to explain how the biosphere has interacted to produce two different vegetation communities within this intertidal ecosystem. Observe how Pittwater Council is rehabilitating the Saltmarsh area.
Identify the nature and extent of Human Induced Stress around the Mangroves, including urban stormwater and runoff. Evaluate consequences of past and present land use, i.e. leachate from tip and dog exercise area. Walk along the new broadwalk to identify and investigate the resilience of the two mangrove species. Explore the mangroves to discover the rich biodiversity and the interdependence of organisms within the mangrove foodweb.
14:45 At Etival Street walk out on to the Mud Flats if the tide is low enough. Assess potential impacts of a nearby marina and recreation use of Careel Bay. Conclude on why Careel Bay is an ecosystem at risk. Optional: Post fieldtrip study into sustainable management / development issues.

Please Note:

This is a sample program for Year 12 students who wish to study an intertidal wetland ecosystem. This program may be studied individually as a 3 or 4 hour program, or as a whole day combined fieldtrip with a Dune Ecosystem at Risk fieldtrip in the morning. The Careel Bay fieldtrip should be organised to coincide with a low tide. Schools with small groups may combine with other schools to make up minimum numbers. Detailed master student worksheets and maps are prepared and sent to you before your fieldtrip.

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Contact:

Phone Toni Wilson on 1300 000 CEC
High School Co-ordinator		 Cost $21 / student for the full day
$18 / student for the half day
Fax 02 9970 6907 Student Numbers Min: 20
E- mail twilson@pittwater.nsw.gov.au