Open larger image
Conservation and Ecosystem Management students from Nambour TAFE join with Gympie-based QPWS rangers to tackle destructive and invasive weeds in the Amamoor State Forest.
A powerful new partnership between Nambour TAFE and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is giving the next generation of conservation professionals hands-on experience in protecting native ecosystems.
Twenty Conservation and Ecosystem Management students from Nambour TAFE joined forces with Gympie-based QPWS rangers in late May to tackle the destructive weeds that threaten native rainforests in the Amamoor State Forest.
The unique collaboration was coordinated by QPWS Sunshine Coast Ranger David Wolters, himself a graduate of the same TAFE course, and TAFE Queensland conservation and ecosystem educator Alissa George.
David and Elissa, who recognised the opportunity to blend practical learning with meaningful environmental outcomes, said partnerships like these played an important role in combatting invasive species and protecting fragile ecosystems.
"This was a great experience for Nambour TAFE Conservation and Ecosystem Management students," Alissa said.
"The students benefited from real industry experiences and learning the techniques used by QPWS to eradicate environmental weeds including Cats Claw creeper, Dutchman's Pipe, and Lantana.
"They eagerly listened to the rangers explain the importance of the site ecologically.
"We saw the effects of the biocontrol for Cat's Claw Creeper – the leaf sucking tingid bug – which the students were excited to see.
"TAFE Nambour is very excited to continue this volunteering opportunity as it has been the highlight of the course for the students," Alissa said.
Throughout the day, students honed skills in identifying and removing invasive species including Cat's Claw Creeper (Dolichandra unguis-cati), Dutchman's Pipe (Aristolochia elegans), and Lantana (Lantana camara).
The experience also gave them direct access to seasoned rangers, allowing for deep conversations around conservation careers and techniques used in the field.
For David Wolters, the day was a full-circle moment.
"I've always been driven by a desire to support and protect our natural environment," David said.
"Studying Conservation and Ecosystem Management at TAFE provided me with the hands-on fieldwork and practical training that shaped my skills.
"Now working in national parks,
"I'm proud to contribute to the protection of our unique ecosystems and landscapes.
"I've reconnected with TAFE to help current students gain valuable experience in the field, something that made a big difference during my own studies.
"I'm passionate about sharing the knowledge I've gained working for Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and look forward to continuing my work with Alissa George and her students in the years ahead."
QPWS Gympie Ranger Jim Martin, who also attended, praised the impact of the students' involvement.
"It's great to have such a big group here keen to get stuck into the Cats Claw, which can feel like an insurmountable task at times," Jim said.
"Staying on top of the initial treatments we've made with solid follow-up work is what will make a real difference here, so the potential benefits of having TAFE groups out here to lend a hand and learn is huge."
The initiative not only delivered tangible benefits for the environment but also inspired and equipped the next generation of conservation professionals.
Student feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the field trip as a defining moment in their studies.
With the groundwork laid and the vines pulled, both TAFE and QPWS are looking forward to building on this successful partnership – one weed at a time.
