Grovely State School has received a national sustainability grant to build a habitat for the endangered Richmond Birdwing Butterfly, giving students a direct role in protecting a rare local species.
Community-driven Conservation Work
The award was announced in November after the Coles and Planet Ark Sustainable Schools Competition selected twenty winning schools across Australia. Grovely State School earned five thousand dollars to create a dedicated garden space that supports the butterfly’s full life cycle.
Grovely State School plans to plant native birdwing vines inside its nature play area, based on information released by the program organisers. These vines are the only suitable host for the butterfly’s eggs and larvae. School leaders described the project as a way to connect learning with real environmental care. Students will take part in planting, watering and observing changes in the habitat as it develops through the year.
Local Support And Student Involvement
The school announced the win on its Facebook page and shared its plans to establish the new garden space. The post highlighted excitement within the school community.
The post also featured students holding native plants in front of butterfly artwork as part of the coverage of the award. It noted that Grovely State School was chosen from more than two hundred and forty entries nationwide.
Part Of A National Sustainability Effort
Planet Ark reported that more than two hundred and forty schools entered the 2025 competition. Judges selected winners whose ideas showed community impact and strong links to environmental learning.
Projects included garden planning, waste reduction and native habitat restoration. Grovely State School’s selection places the Brisbane community among the national group working on long term sustainability goals.
Next Steps For The School
The school aims to begin planting soon so students can take part in the project through different stages. The new garden space will become part of regular lessons about local plants, insects and biodiversity.
School leaders indicated the site will continue to grow as students learn how the vines support the butterfly’s survival. The goal is to build a stable habitat that increases the chance of the butterfly returning to the area.
Published 17-November-2025
