Students can volunteer with Conservation Volunteers Australia to help remove invasive weeds from the St Leonards Salt Lagoon, protecting parrots and greenshanks.

The Salt Lagoon in St Leonards is part of the Swan Bay system of wetlands, and very important for waterbirds to use as habitat and food source.

The Salt Lagoon is a very shallow, highly-saline lagoon, close to the sea, surrounded by saltmarsh vegetation, and with an associated salt meadow. 41 different species of waterbirds have been recorded using the lagoon, 16 of which have special conservation status, or are listed as protected. The Salt Lagoon also contains potential habitat for Orange-bellied Parrots, and is important for the for Common Greenshanks to spend the winter on after migrating from Europe and Asia.

Help to identify and remove invasive weeds from the St Leonards Salt Lagoon and you will be protecting these amazing birds for years to come. Bring your binoculars and see if you can spot birds that many people don't see!

Conservation Volunteers Australia will provide transport from South Geelong, departing at 8.15am and returning around 4pm. Volunteers need to bring their lunch and a bottle of water, as well as wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and boots or sturdy shoes. It is also recommended that volunteers bring and use a broad-brimmed hat, sun-screen (30+) and insect repellent.

Find out more or make a booking and check out their facebook page.