Two Palm Island Reef Guardian Schools will be recognised tomorrow (1 March 2011) for the innovative environmental work they intend to undertake in 2011.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Reef Guardian Schools Education Officer Carolyn Luder said students and teachers from Bwgcolman Community School and St Michael's Catholic School will be presented with $500 as part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority's Ripples of Change seed funding grants.

"The schools have been active participants in the Reef Guardian Schools program and will use this funding to purchase a seagrass kit which they will use to conduct a joint seagrass monitoring activity," Ms Luder said.

The Reef Guardian Schools Ripples of Change grants consist of 20 $500 grants which provide an opportunity for Reef Guardian Schools to undertake small environmental projects within their schools. Schools nominate a project that they would like to initiate and present a project plan to the GBRMPA.

The selected schools are presented with their project funds early in the school year to allow them to complete their projects within the school year cycle.

Ms Luder said the Ripples of Change presentation would be followed by the Palm Island Reef Guardian Networking Meeting which would give teachers the chance to gain access to resources, people power and information.

"The event will provide one-on-one networking opportunities to share resources, knowledge and environmental opportunities in 2011," Ms Luder said.

"Reef Guardian Networking Meetings are held annually throughout the Great Barrier Reef catchment and have proven to be highly successful in establishing lasting community partnerships."

 Reef Guardian Schools is an environmental education program run by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.