Biophysical interactions - forests

Biophysical interactions

Preliminary Geography 

How does an understanding of the biophysical environment contribute to the sustainable management of urban bushland sites for biodiversity and threatened species? 

This excursion introduces students to the nature and functioning of the four components: the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere in Sydney's eucalpyt forests. This program focuses on investigations into the issue of biodiversity within the biosphere.  

Pressures from urbanisation, industrialisation, a changing climate and changed fire regimes has resulted in significant and continual loss of biodiversity in the biophysical environment. Today, NSW has almost 1000 species at risk of extinction, some of which can be found in the environments of the Lane Cove National Park.

Undertaking geographic inquiry students engage in fieldwork using scientific methodologies to examine the key biophysical processes and interactions involved in sandstone geology vegetation communities. Data collected will help to inform students of the existing and future management strategies for protecting biodiversity in the park. 

Students will engage in fieldwork to measure biotic and abiotic factors, use sampling techniques to identify vegetation structure, record and assess community diversity and examine human impacts. Students interpret maps, photographs, satellite imagery, graphs and statistics to support their inquiry. 

The fieldwork techniques used will support students undertaking their Senior Geography Project (SGP) in natural environments. 

Attending this excursion fulfills the NSW Preliminary Geography course requirements for fieldwork in Biophysical interactions. 

Location

• Magdala Park to Buffalo Creek Reserve

Track overview

• Buffalo Creek Reserve to Magdala Park track (note the walk is filmed in reverse)

Program details

• Maximum 50 students per day.
• DoE school cost is $24 per student - GST free.
• Non Gov school cost is $34 per student - GST free. Minimum charge $600.
• Biophysical interactions - forests program
• Risk management advice