Whether you call it a swamp, marsh or bog, there’s a lot more to a wetland than mosquitos and mud.
Decades ago we were quick to drain such sites to make way for development, but on the Central Coast there’s now an effort to educate about their environmental significance.
Less than 30 metres from the hustle and bustle of Wyong Road, lies the quiet and secluded Palms Springs wetland.
Often going unnoticed, it was today trying to do the opposite, conducting an education program to highlight the important role wetlands play in local environments.
“They’re very important because people aren’t always aware that wetlands exist near them. For example this wetland here is pretty well hidden and people didn’t know that it even existed.”
It’s the second such project held at the site, with today’s focus on frogs and what the presence of our web footed friends can say about our water quality.
“Frogs really rely on our freshwater system to breed and so it’s important to keep the water as clean as possible.”
The Australian Reptile Park displayed a variety of amphibians, including the green, tree and golden bell frog.
But it quickly turned into a popularity competition.
“The green tree frog.”
“Green tree frog.”
“Green tree frog, and why is that, because I like green.”
Ms Leite says she hopes people people will stop for a longer look next time they drive past this local treasure.
Tyson Cottrill, NBN News.
