Up to 70 Grade 3 pupils from Stawell were led into the Ironbark forests of the Deep Lead Nature Conservation reserve to learn about the environment and sustainability.
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The annual nature walk was coordinated by the Stawell Urban Landcare group and taught pupils about the forest ecosystem, features to look for when identifying gums and flowers and the interaction between plants and animals.
Project Platypus Landcare facilitator Andrea Mitchell said the experienced introduced pupils to Stawell’s “very own backyard”.
“Experiencing learning outside the classroom allows children to develop their observational skills,” she said.
“At this time of the year, many plants special to the box Ironbark forests are flowering and it makes for easy identification.”
Pupils also learnt about what the land was used for in the past and how to read signs of historic activities from previous generations.
“They learn why these forests are special and why they are now protected in a nature reserve, because of the unique plants and rare animals that live there,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Unfortunately they also see evidence of some people’s current misuse of the area, dumping rubbish, removal of firewood and off road vehicle use, all of which destroy the values of this reserve.”
The Ironbarks forest has been a notorious dumping ground for rubbish, but Project Platypus volunteers have taken up the initiative to remove dumped household items such as couches, mattresses and toilets.
Ms Mitchell said the learning experience for Grade 3’s had been an annual event for 17 years and encouraged schools to continue the initiative.
“It’s a chance to get some fresh air, run in the forest, explore the tiny things of the natural world with the sound of only the wind – it’s a great opportunity for our next generation,” she said.
Schools can contact Julie Andrew on 0407 561 135 to get involved with the walks.
