This activity may take one or two weeks to complete. Determining the Soil Seed Bank Assessing surface condition Assessing the surface condition of a grassland involved judging whether it is stable, slightly, moderately or severely disturbed. Assessing Surface Condition Noting the presence of earthworms Earthworms play an important part in the soil by returning organic matter to the soil and improving soil structure. This will be particularly helpful if the students decide to rehabilitate the site. Noting the presence of pest and native plants and animals It is advised that the activity ' Native versus introduced species' is completed before undertaking an assessment of introduced and native plants and animals within remnant vegetation.
Students can draw or take photos of the different plants and animals in the area they are assessing.
It is useful to record the date, time and location of the observations. Magnifying glasses may be needed to help students draw small specimens. The guide can be ordered through the order form within the Natural Resource Management Catalogue . The students need to investigate an area of remnant vegetation. Closed down railways, bushland, nature reserves, national parks, roadside verges and stockyards can be good examples of native vegetation.