At PLC Sydney, learning goes far beyond the classroom. Our students have had the extraordinary opportunity to be hands-on in a real-world conservation project—hatching and releasing Eastern Long-necked Turtle (Chelodina longicollis) hatchlings into the wild. This exciting initiative, in collaboration with Western Sydney University, Foundations for National Parks and Wildlife, and Oatlands Golf Course, has given our students a deeper understanding of conservation and their ability to make a difference.

It all started in November 2024 when PLC Sydney joined members of Oatlands Golf Course to monitor nesting turtles. Two clutches of eggs were carefully relocated to our dedicated turtle incubation room in Croydon, protecting them from threats like foxes, which destroy 95% of nests each year. Under the watchful eyes of our students, the eggs slowly hatched with a 100% success rate!

But this wasn’t just a science experiment—it was an unforgettable experience. From carefully monitoring the eggs to the moments when tiny turtles broke free from their shells and eventually took their first swims, our students were there to witness and assist. One student even described the moment the hatchlings emerged as “the best day of my life!”

Western Sydney University’s Professor Ricky Spencer, a leader in the 1 Million Turtles (1MT) citizen science project, highlighted just how valuable this kind of education is. “This is education at its most powerful—real-world, hands-on learning that builds future conservation leaders,” he said. “Conservation programs in schools don’t just teach students about environmental issues; they empower them to be part of the solution.”

Beyond hatching and releasing turtles, our students can also take part in wetland-based learning, testing water quality, collecting eDNA samples, and monitoring turtle habitats. These activities are all part of the Turtles in Schools program, designed to engage young people in conservation while also building their STEM skills.

Oatlands Golf Course played a crucial role in this project, proving that urban green spaces can be conservation hotspots. Club members contributed as citizen scientists, logging turtle sightings and nesting activity in TurtleSAT to help track and protect turtle populations.

This program would not have been possible without the dedication of Kate Blount, PLC Sydney’s Senior Animal Programs Officer, supported by our Science faculty. Kate’s hard work and commitment ensured the success of this initiative, providing our students with an unforgettable hands-on learning experience.

With the overwhelming success of this year’s hatchlings, PLC Sydney is proud to be at the forefront of conservation education. This project is just the beginning, and we look forward to continuing to empower our students to play an active role in protecting Australia’s wildlife for years to come.

PLC Sydney students releasing the Eastern Long-necked Turtle (Chelodina longicollis) hatchlings into the wild. Photo by Monica Pronk.