Student Education

Education is one of the most important tools in improving the environment. Only when people understand how they impact their world and what they could do differently will they be able to help. Council has programmes aimed at several segments of the community.

In particular Council runs a Bushland and Catchment Education Programme for both primary and high school children. This program raises awareness of issues and provides students with direct experience with the natural world. It invites students and the community to get involved in managing their bushland.

Field trips and bushwalks in local reserves are organised by Council staff, as well as worksheets and follow-up activities to help the learning process. These trips can be linked to units of work in the NSW school curriculum, and aim for a fun, positive education experience for students.

Other school activities include:

• Propagation workshops with locally-collected seeds
• Native plantings
• Environmental talks
• Interactive displays using the BushCare trailer
• Water testing and bug surveys in local creeks
• Competitions
• Artwork
• Assistance with Environmental Grant Applications

A Bushland Information Kit – Willoughby Wild Side has been sent to all local school libraries to act as a reference guide. This is updated throughout the year with new environmental information.

Council staff are very happy and willing to talk to school staff about how these programmes could benefit their school. Please call the Bushland Interpretive Officer on 9777 7755 or send an email to email@willoughby.nsw.gov.au for more information.