Young Environmental Leaders go underground at Kelly Hill Caves
The first year of Kangaroo Island’s Young Environmental Leaders (YEL) program finished on a high note this year, with students heading deep underground for a special end-of-year experience at the Kelly Hill Caves.
On Tuesday 18 November, 25 students, three teachers and three parent volunteers visited the caves as part of the final YEL forum for the year — a visit that also coincided with the 150-year anniversary of the discovery of the Kelly Hill Caves.
Students were treated to a personalised tour by National Parks and Wildlife Senior Guide Gemma Carlson — an enthusiastic educator, local KI resident and former Kangaroo Island Community Education (KICE) student.
Joining the tour was Dr Jess Marsh, Kangaroo Island’s own spider taxonomist and invertebrate conservation biologist, who introduced students to the remarkable hidden world of cave-dwelling invertebrates.
Dr Marsh shared insights into her most recent discoveries at Kelly Hill, including a newly identified cave spider. In an exciting opportunity, YEL students will now help formally name this new species, learning firsthand how scientific naming works under international taxonomy rules.
A big thank you also goes to the parent volunteers, who helped make the day safe, enjoyable and very well fed.
Students said the experience opened their eyes to the history, geology and biodiversity of the caves.
Bellen said she “didn’t know that the first people that found the cave had to use candles.”
Makenzie shared that her favourite part was “the dripstones and how narrow the cave can get.”
Belle said she felt the day was important because “it taught us about caves and the importance of them in the environment.”
Teachers accompanying the group said the day offered meaningful learning and personal growth.
Preservice teacher Abi Young reflected on “students being brave in the cave and overcoming fears.”
KICE teacher Sherilee Binsted said it was about “opening students’ eyes to new and different experiences and opportunities,” and that students often “go back to school and encourage others to do similar.”
Teacher Sam Stephens added that the day also supported “mixing with other campus students.”
Kangaroo Island Landscape Board Environmental Officer, Deb Laver, said the YEL program gives primary school students the chance to explore the local environment through hands-on learning, environmental projects, and leadership development.
“Open to Year 5 students across KICE, the program builds confidence, grows environmental knowledge and encourages positive action within school communities,” Ms Laver said.
