More than 200 students from six 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, November 5, 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 Ellie Ward said. “The day is designed to reinforce their understanding of what makes a healthy eco-system and the important role they play in caring for country – all while having fun!”
The students joined volunteer Jodi on a colonial treasure hunt through Ellensbrook homestead with the support of National Trust WA caretaker, Skye Thompson, 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, played a fishing for the future game with marine rangers, and learned about caring for flora and fauna from Parks and Wildlife Service rangers.
Students then teamed up 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 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.”
Parent Bree Evans said Our Patch was an “amazing program that gets kids out and about, learning about the environment and inspiring them to protect it”.
Our Patch officer Ellie Ward said 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”.
Our Patch is funded thanks to the Paskeville Foundation, Shire of Augusta-Margaret River, Margaret River Lions Club, Margaret River Rotary and participating schools.
