Connecting our youth to natural spaces
A group of 80 students from nine schools across the Southern Flinders region recently took part in the second Young Environmental Leaders (YEL) forum for the year at the Mambray Creek Visitor Area in Mount Remarkable National Park.
The students, who attend Flinders View, Port Augusta West, Stirling North, Melrose and Wilmington Primary Schools, Orroroo and Quorn Area Schools and Jamestown Community School learnt about national parks, native plants and animals, invertebrates, rocks and minerals.
Natural Resources Northern and Yorke Community Ranger Kurtis Madigan said that the forum provided an exciting opportunity for students to be exposed to a variety of environmental topics and learn in a fun and interactive atmosphere.
“Holding the YEL forum at Mambray Creek enabled the students to immerse themselves in nature, while exploring and learning about a significant National Park in their region,” Mr Madigan said.
“The day included environmental education sessions in the park delivered by guest speakers from Animals Anonymous, Bugs n Slugs and Flinders Geology Gem and Mineral Club Inc.
“Staff from Natural Resources Northern and Yorke also led students on a Ranger Walk and Talk through the park as well as a session on environmental art.”
Quorn Area School class teacher Sharon Taylor said the day at Mambray Creek had a positive impact on students.
“I would like to congratulate the Natural Resources Northern and Yorke team for providing an amazing day of fun activities for our YEL,” Ms Taylor said.
“Feedback from staff and parents has been that the children thoroughly enjoyed the day whilst learning about our national park and environmental topics.”
The next YEL event will focus on water and soil, while the final forum and celebration day will provide students with an opportunity to present the sustainability projects that they have been leading in their school community, which include recycling, composting, bush food gardens and ‘nude foods’.
Funding and support for the Young Environmental Leaders Program is provided by the Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Board through funding from the National Landcare Programme.
Schools interested in learning more about the Young Environmental Leaders Program should contact the Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Centre in Clare on 8841 3444.
