Frogs leap into Dobson Kindergarten

Published on 03 July 2017

On June 6, Maribyrnong City Council and partners Melbourne Water marked World Environment Day by opening the recently completed Frog Friendly Habitat Garden at Dobson Kindergarten in Maidstone.

The habitat was created in April of this year as part of a school holiday program run by Maribyrnong City Council in partnership with Melbourne Water, Newport Lakes Nursery and Dobson Kindergarten.

During the event, Melbourne Water demonstrated to participants including school children and their families and friends, how to create a frog friendly habitat. Newport Lakes Nursery supplied a range of indigenous plants for the garden that are suitable for encouraging frogs and other water-bugs to flourish.

The Frog Friendly Habitat now exists for the kindergarten children to enjoy and explore as well as learn from.

The official opening included a series of educational activities for the children run by ecological educators – Leap into Nature. Children observed frogs and water bugs and learnt about the role of frogs in maintaining a balanced eco-system.

“Frogs control insect populations and can also act as an indicator of waterway health as they are sensitive to changes in their habitat,” said James Frazer, Waterwatch Coordinator at Melbourne Water.

“One of the biggest threats to frog populations across Melbourne is a loss of habitat but it is possible to mitigate this by creating homes for frogs in backyards and community gardens. This helps to prevent species loss.”

Melbourne Water is currently collecting data on frogs via the Frog Census App. The data collected through the program is used to help manage Melbourne's frog populations and raise awareness of waterway health issues. Maribyrnong City Council encourages community members to get involved with the program. For further information visit: https://www.melbournewater.com.au/frogcensus

A word from the Mayor

“We hope that the frog friendly habitat at the kindergarten ignites in the children a lifelong enthusiasm for their natural environment. An enthusiasm that will be beneficial for them as well as their environment.”

“We are committed to teaching the community about the importance of biodiversity and we have a number of other similar programs on the horizon including the Bug Detectives event in the July school holidays and the launch of Nature Explorer kits designed to encourage children and their families to explore their local environment.”

Maribyrnong News

Stay up-to-date with the latest news by subscribing to our eNews.