Resources

The forests of the Field of Mars Reserve are located within the Sydney Basin bioregion. A bioregion is an area defined by ecological, geological and climatic characteristics.  Bioregions are smaller than biomes and contain multiple ecosystems from wetlands to forests. 

Learn more about the Sydney Basin bioregion at the NSW Department of Planning and Environment – Sydney Basin bioregion

A topographic map with satellite imagery of the Field of Mars Reserve. This map can be used for mapping activities.

Map 2 provides students an opportunity to create a  cross-section to identify landforms in the Field of Mars Reserve.

This activity is located in Natural systems section of this website.

Within the reserve, two eucalypt forest types have evolved: wet sclerophyll and dry sclerophyll forests. Canopy and understorey vegetation in each differs and is a result of the interactions between earths natural systems.  

During fieldwork students observed the different characteristics of dry sclerophyll and wet sclerophyll forests across two sites. 

Students were able to pose questions, plan an investigation and use fieldwork equipment to draw conclusions and explain causal interactions between earth's natural systems and how they operate at a local scale.

Map 3 represents the location of the two forest types. 

This map is available through The Central Resource for Sharing and Enabling Environmental Data in NSW SEED map. This open database provides opportunities for students to use spatial data to conduct inquiry into geographical phenomena across New South Wales. 

Soil texture

During fieldwork students will investigate soil texture. 

Soil texture refers to the composition of soil based on the size of its particles. It is determined by the proportions of sand, silt, and clay particles present in the soil. These particles contribute to the soil's physical properties, such as its ability to retain water and nutrients, as well as its drainage and aeration characteristics.

Staff at the Field of Mars EEC use the methodology adapted from McDonald et al., 1990, The Australian Soil and Land Survey: Field Handbook 2nd edition, Inkata Press, Melbourne.

Soil ternary plot

A soil ternary plot provides a visual representation of the proportions of sand, silt, and clay in a soil sample. It allows for quick and easy interpretation of soil texture based on the relative amounts of these three soil components.

The Native Vegetation of the Sydney Metropolitan Area

This PDF is a comprehensive guide to the vegetation communities within the Sydney basin. Version 3.1 is now available online at SEED The Central Resource for Sharing and Enabling Environmental Data in NSW and as a spatial data on the NSW SEED map.

The fieldwork investigates dry and wet sclerophyll forests. These forest types are classified as Vegetation Formations. For more information about vegetation classifications view The NSW vegetation classification framework.

Keystone species

Keystone species have a significant and defining ecological role within an ecosystem. Without keystone species ecosystem functioning is impacted potentially leading to ecological change and succession.  

The forests at the Field of Mars Reserve have multiple keystone species each fulfilling a defining ecological role. 

The following videos and the Field of Mars EEC Fact sheets identify these keystone species.

The brush turkey

Brush turkey sightings in Sydney have increased and scientists are now researching Sydney populations and their ecological role. 

A wildlife refuge

Protecting native species in the Field of Mars is a priority for the City of Ryde Council. The video No cats and dogs at Field of Mars Reserve and brochure about the importance of protecting nbiodiversity educates community the threats to urban bushland areas.