Educational Programmes on Ecosystems

In 2025, the University of Newcastle supported learning about wild flora, fauna and ecosystem conservation through community science, regional outreach and environmental science teaching. These activities connect people with native species and strengthen practical conservation knowledge.

Community science: learning about threatened frogs

In 2025, the University’s Conservation Science Research Group expanded Frog Find, an in-field and online community science initiative that searches for threatened frog habitats. University researchers use acoustic monitoring devices to record frogs calling at night; community volunteers help review the recordings and identify calls. This hands-on participation introduces local community members to native amphibians, wildlife survey techniques and the importance of frogs as indicators of ecosystem health.

The same University update highlighted research on Littlejohn’s tree frog and the giant burrowing frog. Frog Find connects biodiversity research with practical community learning through species identification and habitat monitoring.

Public wildlife education in the Newcastle community

In May 2024, City of Newcastle staff and University researchers held a Squirrel Glider community information session at Wallsend Library to share local research and the need for habitat connections between Blackbutt and Jesmond. They encouraged wildlife-friendly planting and responsible pet care.

^{(L-R) Dr Ryan Witt, Sam Hayley, Cr Elizabeth Adamczyk and Oliver Brynes at Richley Reserve as part of the Squirrel Glider research project.}

2025 University teaching in ecosystem conservation

In 2025, the University also taught courses that develop skills in conserving wild plants, animals and habitats. These enrolment-based courses support conservation expertise but do not replace community education.

• ENVS2006 – Ecology and Management of Wildlife — In Semester 1, 2025, students at Callaghan and Ourimbah developed fully costed threatened-species recovery plans. They examined wildlife ecology, identification and survey methods, habitat needs, threats and practical conservation actions, supported by field study.
• ENVS2005 – Management of Australian Flora — This course explored Australian flora in its ecosystem context through vegetation management, fieldwork, plant identification and strategies for maintaining botanical diversity under land-use pressure. Its 2025 handbook entry confirms its inclusion in the University’s teaching programme.
• ENVS3003 – Conservation Biology — Offered at Callaghan in Semester 2, 2025, this course examined threats from urban development, invasive species, disease and climate change. Students applied conservation science through field studies, population modelling and practical approaches to managing Australian fauna and biodiversity.
• ENVS2004 – Ecology — The course develops understanding of population dynamics, species interactions, community ecology and introduced species, providing foundations for interpreting the relationships between wild species and their ecosystems.
• EPBIOL240 – Biodiversity and Conservation Management — Offered in Semester 2, 2025, with Callaghan and online delivery options, this course examined ecosystem diversity, habitat loss, protected areas, climate change and conservation strategies. It also included off-campus fieldwork for the Callaghan offering.

Connecting regional school students with nature through the arts

In September 2025, more than 120 students from Hunter schools joined the University’s inaugural Bird Opera Workshop at the Conservatorium of Music. Guided by University staff, First Nations collaborators and artists, participants developed bird-inspired stories through music, movement and language. This project provides broader cultural engagement with native bird themes, although its principal purpose was creative arts and wellbeing rather than formal ecological education.

Community science, outreach and conservation teaching help the University share knowledge about native species and their habitats, encouraging participation in biodiversity protection.