Art and conservation are combining in the classroom for students across the region, as part of an exciting new initiative in Nature Conservation Margaret River Region’s youth education program Adopt a Spot.
The Adopt a Spot program has been running for almost a decade and involves Year 4 students from nine schools across the Capes region, with each class learning about a nearby area of bushland, river, foreshore or coastline and then caring for it by weeding, planting native seedlings, watering, bagging and staking the plants.
But for the first time this year, professional artists are collaborating with each school to help children engage deeply with their adopted spot, exploring the local plants and animals, the Wadandi stories of connection, and how students can communicate these values through art. Then, all classes will come together for an exhibition and celebration at the end of the year.
This week, Margaret River Independent School students tackled a clay making workshop with sculptor Tania Davey where they made clay tiles of the shorebirds found at their adopted spot, Redgate Beach – with the tiles destined to become part of a public mural celebrating our unique birdlife. Students from Karridale and Augusta primary schools will also explore their spot’s birdlife using clay.
Meanwhile, Rapids Landing Primary School students are teaming up with Michelle Bretherton and Cara Ratajczak from Weaving Boodja to use collected plant material to create woven art based on wildlife in their local wetland. And Margaret River Montessori School kids will explore their adopted spot through printmaking with artist Emily Jackson.
Other schools across the region will be working with other local artists will including Fi Wilkie (mixed media) and Franceso Geronazzmo and Annie Murphy (Margaret River Printmaking).
Ms Ratajczak described the revamped Adopt a Spot program as an “incredible opportunity for local kids to truly investigate a special spot in the South-West”. “Not only are the students learning about their spot’s ecological value, but they’re also connecting with the location on a cultural level and exploring their area creatively,” she says. “It’s incredible to interweave these stories (of Wadandi custodians) with a spot’s ecological importance to then create an artwork with the kids.”
Adopt a Spot program coordinator Tracey Muir says the students are relishing the chance to learn from and work alongside local artists as well as do on-ground conservation work and learn from traditional owners at their chosen bushland or coastal spots.
“It allows students to not only learn the science and culture of their local patches, but also how to express and communicate these values through art and celebrate their significance with the whole community,” Tracey says. “Kids are also learning from Wadandi custodians about the cultural significance of bushland or coastal reserves that they ‘adopt’ and care for. It means some special areas of cultural and environmental significance can be restored and cared for consistently, with the help of volunteers and school students.”
In the past 12 months, the Year 4 students planted more than 2000 cuttings, almost 900 seedlings, and laid down 5 trailer-loads of brush to protect seedlings and dunes. Sites that have been cared for and rehabilitated include riparian zones along the Margaret River and its tributaries, as well as coastal and foreshore conservation at some of the region’s most popular beaches, including Redgate, Hamelin Bay, Cowaramup Bay and Yallingup.
“The kids, teachers, parents and volunteers in our Adopt a Spot program are all keen to get their hands dirty, to make a difference and actively care for the landscapes we all love,” Tracey says. “Being connected to nature is so important for our wellbeing and to counteract all the doom and gloom. It’s a way to recharge and feel inspired, knowing we can make a positive difference.”
Nature Conservation Margaret River Region general manager Drew McKenzie says environmental education is vital for inspiring the stewards of tomorrow and a key part of the not-for-profit group’s work.
Adopt a Spot is generously funded by Line In The Sand group, the State of Western Australia, Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries and Shire of Augusta-Margaret River.