Coleambally Central School students embraced muddy boots and big smiles as they joined YACTAC on November 27th to plant native wetland species at the Leeds property, “Broome”, on the Yanco Creek.

Armed with waders, shovels, and a ute load of plants, the students planted jointed twig rush, spike rush, and sedges to restore a backwater habitat, creating crucial refuge for fish, frogs (especially the southern bell frog), and other aquatic life.

YACTAC has partnered with the school for three planting projects in recent years. Teacher, Briony Fattore, emphasised the long-term value of these activities:

"Just getting [students] thinking about their river systems and creeks now, when they are younger, is so important—hopefully, it’s something they carry into their future years to help look after our waterways."

The day included hands-on learning, with students conducting eDNA sampling and exploring the importance of waterway restoration. They gained insights into how projects such as YACTAC's ‘Wetlands for Waterways’, 2022-2023, enhance biodiversity and improve ecosystem health. Despite overnight rain, conditions were ideal for planting.

YACTAC Project Officer Andrea Mitchell expressed her enthusiasm: "It was great to see the students so engaged and to know we got a full ute load of plants into the wetland. Even better, our earlier plantings in the area are thriving, showing how these efforts can make a real difference."

The event marked the first of three Wednesdays of planting activities along the Yanco Creek System, involving three high schools and several primary schools. The day was supported by the Refreshing Rivers program, which aims to improve waterways. Miriam Crane, the new Refreshing Rivers Project Coordinator, joined the effort and got hands on—literally covered in mud during the planting process!

The Leeds have five hectares of protected wetland, combining natural regeneration with active restoration. It reflects a growing community commitment to caring for our waterways and teaching future generations the value of healthy ecosystems.