More than 200 students from five local schools had a packed day full of fun and environmental learning at Nature Conservation Margaret River Region’s annual Bioblitz.
Held at Mokidup or Ellensbrook Homestead on Wednesday, October 30, it was the celebration and last hurrah for the year as part of the conservation group’s Our Patch environmental education program for Year 3 students across the Capes region.
“We had a packed day full of activities for the kids covering water quality, marine and birdlife, plants and pollinators to cultural awareness and environmental stewardship,” Our Patch officer Peta Lierich said.
The students joined Ellensbrook Homestead caretaker Skye Thompson on a colonial treasure hunt with the National Trust of WA, and took part in a hands-on “curious catchments” activity learning how water moves through our catchment and how our actions affect water quality.
They also got hands-on with local marine and coastal life from the spikey to the slimy, and played a fishing game with Ngari Capes Marine Park rangers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
Students then teamed up with Tangaroa Blue Foundation for interactive learning about marine debris; connected with one of the oldest living cultures here on Wadandi Boodja with staff and rangers from the Undalup Association; and got creative with land artist Elaine Clocherty, Wadandi elder Nan Viv and other local artists to create an in situ, ephemeral art piece that celebrates their semester of Our Patch learning.
Finally, they discovered the fabulous variety of feathered friends who call this landscape home with Christine Wilder form BirdLife WA, and teamed up with the Water Corporation for a fast-paced game of “bucket brigade” to get them thinking about their water usage.
Margaret River Primary School teacher Richard Dowling said it was his 7th year bringing a class to the Bioblitz and being involved with the Our Patch program. “The different interaction they have with cultural groups and nature – it’s a real eye-opener for the kids,” he said. “They’re really surprised at how much life is in the water, in their gardens and in the world around them.”
Year 3 students River Gonsalves said he loved learning about nature and how to better protect it. “I really enjoyed everything to do with Our Patch,” he said.
Parent Kristy Robinson, whose daughter Sage, 9, took part in the Bioblitz, said: “I’m so enormously grateful they have opportunities like this to connect and understand the world around them. There’s nothing more important going forward. This has opened a door for Sage to grow in confidence and curiosity about the environment, and want to learn more.”
Our Patch officer Lauren Scanlon a big thank you for “the support of our participating schools, our Bioblitz sponsors and all our fantastic presenters and volunteers who gave their time to be a part of this day”.
Tangaroa Blue’s Casey Woodward said it was a privilege to be part of the Bioblitz and help with environmental education, helping the next generation become custodians of the natural world. “Plus, the kids have a great time, they’re always so excited to be part of Bioblitz,” she said.
Margaret River Montessori School teacher Jana Wittorff said: “They love it, it’s fantastic. The kids learn so much about nature, zoology and biodiversity. They’re so passionate to learn about and protect the environment. They want every creature to be safe, their habitats have to be protected – things that when I went to school, we didn’t even think about. Programs like Our Patch really help foster this.”
Our Patch is funded thanks to the Paskeville Foundation, Shire of Augusta-Margaret River, Lions Club of Cowaramup, Margaret River Rotary and participating schools.