An ecological restoration is underway at Sandgate District State High School, thanks to a strong community effort.
The land has been transformed into the No Mans Land Outdoor Classroom – a peaceful space for students to explore, collaborate and create.
Glen Hammermeister, Experienced Senior Teacher and EcoMarines Coordinator, said that No Mans Land was a 1.5-hectare, Land for Wildlife ecological sanctuary situated on the school’s northern boundary.
“The land is classified as open eucalyptus forest and features two lily-filled lagoons and a natural watercourse that flows into Cabbage Tree Creek,” Glen said.
“An astonishing diversity of flora and fauna reside or respite here, including 200-year-old gum trees, metre-long eels, striped marsh frogs, eastern and stone curlews, spoonbills, egrets, cormorants, tawny frogmouth owls, micro bats, and lots of butterflies are just some of the species observed.
“However, after recent successive wet seasons, it became an impenetrable jungle of weeds.”
A Community Effort to Reconnect with Nature
To restore the land, local organisation SANDBAG, through its Skilling Queenslanders for Work Program, and the Bracken Ridge Lions have helped to clear weeds and debris from the area.
“Their contributions are a testament of what can be achieved when we work together, but more importantly, how to foster a sense of community,” Glen said.
Over 200 native plants have already been planted, including 100 along the waterway. By the end of the year, an additional 100 plants are due to be planted by Bracken Ridge Lions along the fence line to help reduce pollution entering the school.
Students have also been actively involved in the project, including planting trees, and building nesting boxes, native beehives, and insect hotels.
“Students are always the driving inspiration,” Glen said. “Whether it be past students regaling us with their stories of No Mans Land or present students who aspire to transform the space into an outdoor classroom.
“Our Environmental Captain received a commendation award at the 2024 Planning Institute of Australia Awards (Qld Schools Division) for his No Mans Land planning work.”
Glen added that the greatest challenge ahead was balancing biodiversity protection with accessibility for student learning.
“I hope our work here has an enduring impact on the environment, students’ learning and our connection within the community,” he said. “I hope our community understands, treasures, and preserves these important spaces for many future generations.”
Read more stories from the Sandgate Guide print magazine here:
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- Sandgate Remembers the Fallen
- Live Music Rocks Sandgate for A Local Cause
- Lord Mayor Promises Sandgate Revival
- Let’s Focus on Women’s Health
- Bayview Binny Puts Sandgate on the Map
- Day Out at Hidden World Playground
- Sandgate Theatre Explores the Meaning of Happiness
