School children from Bindoon Primary school and Holy Cross College, Ellenbrook were treated to a day of sunshine learning about nature, in nature, at the Chittering Landcare Centre Schools Expo on 6 September. Armed with their bag of goodies handed to them by Hon Martin Aldridge MLC on their arrival, they moved in groups amongst a range of workshops at the Bindoon Oval and Hall.
The Perth Zoo, Chittering Wildlife Carers, Friends of the Western Swamp Tortoise and Jane Goodall Foundation shared their knowledge of animal conservation and the joeys welcomed a pat from the students of Bindoon Primary School and Holy Cross. The children did a spot of bird watching using binoculars with Birdlife WA and were thrilled to discover a nest while the Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Conservation Centre’s bird perched
proudly on display for the day.
Waste was the topic at the Eco Faeries, Keep Australia Beautiful Council and Wonderful Worm Waste marquees. The children sorted packaging and got grubby with the composting worms. They also decorated rocks with Chittering Landcare, learned about minerals with Tronox and planted seeds in their self made newspaper pot with Thrive Sustainability. Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, South East Regional Centre for Urban Landcare and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development also hosted workshops on oceans,
Chittering Landcare Centre’s Executive Officer, Rosanna Hindmarsh, said the aim of the expo was “To introduce landcare to schools so we can encourage a landcare ethos in young people. The project was made possible by funding through the State NRM from funds for Royalties for Regions”.
