Clarkson Community High School students now have their own parcel of bushland to protect, after officially adopting Ridgewood Reserve.

The City of Wanneroo’s environmental program Adopt a Bushland teaches school students how to protect remnant areas of bushland near their school. Students taking part in the program will visit their adopted bushland three times a term for conservation activities, including weeding and litter removal.

Mayor Jon Kelly said the program showed younger residents the problems facing natural areas and how to protect them.

“By adopting a bushland, a school community can develop a nurturing attitude towards the local environment and develop flora and fauna identification, critical thinking skills and problem solving techniques,” Mr Kelly said. “Education is the key to change, and the City is working in partnership with schools to achieve positive environmental change for the future.”