September 20th, 2026Dharma’s Frog Lands
Children have an important role to play in caring for the local environment.
When children take part in environmental projects in their local community, they learn that even small actions can make a big difference. Learning to be an engaged and active citizen is an embodied and intentional focus in the curriculum at the Daylesford Dharma School.
Weekly Bush School experiences have been happening in the Cornish Hill Reserve for the past four years and in 2025 the school was the recipient of a Junior Landcare Schools Grant to design and implement a dedicated frog habitat as one of our focus projects at Bush School. This space is now affectionately known as ‘Frog Lands’.
With the support of the Junior Landcare grant, this project saw children learning about the history of Cornish Hill, developing their understanding of the geography, as well as building practical skills in mapping and auditing biodiversity, with guidance from teachers and local experts.
The students researched what frogs need to thrive in the environment and the types of plants that encourage frogs. A whole school excursion to Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve in Elsternwick early in the project, enabled the children to see what is possible when communities come together to develop protected space for nature and wildlife to thrive.
A biodiversity audit was undertaken with support from experts including Hepburn Shire Council Sustainability Officer Brian Bainbridge and Resource Smart Schools Facilitator Inga Hamilton.
Finally, the students organised a number of planting days to make their wetland concepts a reality. This led to a partnership with the local Friends of Cornish Hill group, who supported the children with the project, helping to identify an appropriate place for ‘Frog Lands’ and providing technical advice for the restoration.
Last Friday, September 18, the project culminated in the unveiling of the restoration works, with school and community members coming together for a Smoking Ceremony with Djarra Elder Aunty Sandy, a student-led tour of the main restoration space and the sharing of campfire damper and popcorn.
Working together with classmates, families, teachers, and community members highlighted for students that cooperation can create positive change.
Most importantly, involving students in projects such as ‘Frog Lands’ builds a sense of being a valued member of their local community, who have agency and can contribute to positive change, an important element of invoking ‘hope’ for the future of our wild spaces and places. Words & images: Dharma School Learning Manager Tanya Wiggins
