Due 27th June

A Local
Ecosystem

FIELD OF MARS
RESERVE
EIS (Environmental Impact Statement)

David Phan 11 Bio 1

David Phan
27/06/13

Introduction
The Field of Mars reserve, located in Ryde, is remnant bushland. This means that
it is a leftover portion of bushland that used to cover a larger area, at the cost of
displaying major differences in ecological structure to what its original state. It is
regenerating largely through from the disturbances caused by natural/human
interaction through natural processes.

The reserve harbours predominantly dry sclerophyll woodland due to its dry,
barren sandstone soils, which is commonly associated with Sydneys north. This
vegetation has adapted to this dry environment by featuring various physical
adaptations such as hard, waxy leaves that are also small and narrow.
Some areas of wet sclerophyll forest exist along creeks such as Buffalo Creek.
This environment is characterised by cool, moist conditions and shading.
Vegetation exhibit dark, soft green leaves and harbour animals such as finches,
wrens, whip birds and ringtail possums.
The biodiversity within the 56 hectare locality has been increasing steadily due
to environmental conservation efforts and natural processes.

The flat, grassy areas are in fact garbage tips that have been covered over.

David Phan
27/06/13

Key

Vegetation Types
Dry sclerophyll
woodland
Mangrove

Features
Dry
Infertile
Diverse
Monoculture
Intertidal
Nutrient rich

Signature Species
Wattle

Mangrove

Measuring Distribution at Sugarloaf Hill

David Phan
27/06/13

Hypothesis
There is at least a 20% greater diversity of plants above the track than below it.

Method

Results

Discussion

Conclusion

Measuring Distribution and Abundance of

Crabs at Buffalo Creek Boardwalk

David Phan
27/06/13

Hypothesis

Method

Results

Discussion

Conclusion

David Phan
27/06/13

David Phan
27/06/13
On 04/06/13

Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre NSW Department of

Education and Communities. Accessed 16/06/13.
http://fieldofmarseec.nsw.edu.au/
A Local Ecosystem: Fieldwork at Buffalo Creek Reserve and Sugarloaf
Point. Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre NSW Department of

David Phan
27/06/13

Education and Communities. Accessed 16/06/13.

http://fieldofmarseec.nsw.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/BiologyWorksheet-2012-final-small1.pdf
Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre NSW Department of
Education and Communities. Accessed 17/06/13.
http://fieldofmarseec.nsw.edu.au/resources/
Bureau of Meteorology, Commonwealth of Australia 2013. Accessed
18/06/13.
http://www.bom.gov.au/oceanography/tides/nsw_tide_tables.shtml
NSW Department of Primary Industries, 2008. Accessed 22/06/13.
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/236234/mangroves.
pdf
Australian Museum, 2003. Accessed 22/06/13.
http://australianmuseum.net.au/Common-Ringtail-Possum
Jane West, http://users.tpg.com.au/users/rwest000/mangrove/home.htm
jbclay@bigpond.com. Accessed 22/06/13.
http://www.nestboxesenvironest.com/john/id3.html

Gay, Mark