PRIMARY school students in the Trunkey Creek and Tuena region south of Bathurst went bush for the day last week to take part in a unique environmental education program.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Central Tablelands Local Land Services organised the Enviro Day to give students hands-on experience in their local environment, investigating the habitat of rare fish, frogs, plants and other native species.
“We took a bus-load of students out to significant sites in the Tuena-Trunkey Creek area where work is underway to halt the decline in habitat for threatened and endangered native species,” Central Tablelands Local Land Services senior land services officer Casey Proctor said.
Mandurama, Carcoar, Neville, Lyndhurst and Trunkey Creek schools took part in the Enviro Day to learn about endangered species, the benefits of native vegetation, and fish habitat re-snagging.
“Raising awareness about threatened species particular to our area will help our students learn how to protect their environment and how to identify local species of plants and animals,” Trunkey Public School principal Sharyn Cogdell said.
“There is no better way to teach students about the importance of the environment than to get them out in the bush, walking amongst the plants and animals, appreciating the diversity of our great land and all it has to offer.
“We are extremely grateful to Casey Proctor from Local Land Services and all the wonderful specialist presenters who worked with the students on the day.”
David Coote, senior threatened species officer with the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, helped the children explore Booroolong frog habitat.
“Raising awareness about threatened species and teaching students how to protect their habitat on a local level will help ensure the future conservation of these special plants and animals,” he said.
As well as hearing from the experts, the primary school students were active participants on the day, planting 100 native trees and shrubs to enhance habitat in the Abercrombie reserve.
Meanwhile, back on the school grounds at Trunkey Creek Public, infant students learnt about endangered species including the Booroolong frog, gliders and native fish.
For advice on protecting and rehabilitating habitat for native species on the Central Tablelands, contact Casey Proctor at Central Tablelands Local Land Services on 6341 9318.
