Uralla Central School students have put up their hands to learn about their local environment from those who know and care for it best.
Year 10, 11 and 12 agriculture students had a day out at Salisbury Plains last week to learn about conservation with the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust and Petaurus Education Group.
25 students made the journey to Eastlake, a private property boasting an impressive area of critically endangered box gum grassy woodlands. The property is protected by a conservation covenant with the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust and managed by the landholders who receive annual conservation management payments.
The students were welcomed by property owner Gordon Williams.
“Having students here today and seeing them learning about and discussing environmental issues, in a grazing environment, knowing they’re our future, is really rewarding.” said Mr Williams.
“Whether they become farmers, managers or seek employment in different environmental areas, days like these can only add to a knowledge base, or maybe light up a passion for future endeavours.”
“They’re going to inherit what our generation creates, so it’s nice to open the farm gate and show these students the things we’re doing to protect the farm environment as well as keep it financially viable,”
The NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust’s Team Leader Education, Alice McGrath, said the time in nature was an opportunity for children to witness what conservation looks like first-hand.
“Connecting with, understanding and respecting nature is one of the big reasons we run these days for schools.” Ms McGrath said.
“Our programs are linked to the NSW School Curriculum, they’re free to run and our educators deliver the content in the classroom and on local properties. It’s a win-win for kids, teachers and the local environment,”
“We’re so grateful to our incredible landholders who are not only protecting nature on their own land, they’re also opening their farm gates and giving kids the opportunity to connect with and see what conservation looks like close to home.”
After a walk-and-talk around the property, the students learned about sustainable grazing, water quality and monitoring biodiversity and soil health. There was a cultural knowledge session with local Indigenous educators sharing stories of the Thunghutti Nation. These activities matched in-class lessons completed during visits from Petaurus over previous weeks.
To find out if the Conservation Champions program can come to your school, visit bct.nsw.gov.au or phone 1300 992 688.