Biodiversity

Each of Deakin University’s Campuses provides biodiversity assets with each having landscaped areas with scattered vegetation for habitat, as well as their own unique assets, such as streams or forests. Deakin’s vision is to conserve and continually improve existing biodiversity values including the enhancement of native vegetation cover, on each Campus, while creating a convivial natural environment for study, transport and recreation.

Targets

• At least one biodiversity conservation zone defined and protected in planning documentation at each Campus (except the Waterfront Campus) by 2012
• All removal of native vegetation is in accordance with the Native Vegetation Framework

Key activities undertaken

• planting days to increase habitat for biodiversity conservation and partially offset greenhouse gas emissions 
• assessment of flora and fauna at the Melbourne Burwood Campus
• biodiversity database established to record species of flora and fauna on each Campus
• biodiversity Action Plan developed for the Warrnambool Campus

2012 Key actions

• coordinate native planting days at each campus involving local community, staff and students
• develop Biodiversity Action Plans for each Campus
• prepare Pest Plant and Animal Control Plans for each Campus
• review Campus Master Plans including the identification of potential biodiversity conservation zones at each Campus in order to improve the biodiversity values

What can you do?

• Join us in restoring indigenous vegetation around Campus on National Tree Day. This event is held annually in August
• Join the Deakin Enviro Club (Melbourne Burwood Campus only) or start your own club on another campus to help restore biodiversity on campus
• Learn about biodiversity and environmental issues in your area. The internet is full of ideas and ‘green practices’
• Saving biodiversity starts with you and your community. Participate at the local level by joining environmental groups and volunteering in environmental actions
• Plant indigenous species to your local area to increase important habitat for local birds, mammals, insects and reptiles
• Develop a frog bog in your backyard to attract local frogs or build a nest box for Kookaburra’s, parrots or possums to nest in
• With your local council’s permission, plant your nature strip with indigenous plants to liven up the front area of your property.

Learn more

National Tree Day

Every year, Deakin University staff, students and external parties plant trees in celebration of National Tree Day. The tree planting days are held across a number of Deakin’s campuses each year. Tree planting days were held at the Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus, the Melbourne Burwood Campus, and at the Warrnambool Campus in August 2011. Tree planting days are free events and anyone can get involved. Join us for Tree Planting Day in 2012! Visit the 2012 National Tree Planting Day webpage for more information.

What animal is that?

The University is developing Biodiversity Action Plans for each Campus. Part of this includes describing the plants and animals that need to be protected. You can help the University to compile a record of our biodiversity and at the same time go into draw to win some great prizes! For more information visit the following webpage.

Biodiversity at Deakin’s Geelong Waterfront Campus.

One of the key activities used to increase biodiversity and biodiversity awareness at Deakin are tree planting days. However, this is not practical at the Geelong Waterfront Campus, due to the location and limited space. The University is therefore considering other options. For more information visit the following webpage.

Community Biodiversity Forum: Biodiversity in my backyard

The Office for Sustainability, together with Blackburn Lake Environmental Education Park (BLEEP) and Greenlink Box Hill organsied a community biodiversity forum on Monday 20 June 2011 to raise awareness about the value of biodiversity, including local solutions to increase biodiversity in your backyard. 'Backyard' in this context referrs to a private residential property, nature strip, school, local park or bushland. Copies of the presentation can be found on the following webpage.