ECO STUDENTS… The year 5 group of Forbes Public School ready to learn more about waterbugs at Eco Day held at the Parkes Racecourse on Wednesday.
In celebration of Science Week almost 300 students from Forbes Shire, Parkes Shire and Eugowra took part in Eco Day activities at the Parkes Racecourse.
It was a day of learning for the Year 5 students organised by Central West Lachlan Landcare.
“It is important to give our children a deeper understanding of the environment as they are our future community and we want them to be as informed as can be,” said Landcare Co-ordinator Marg Applebee.
“We are thrilled to have the support of FishCare (DPI), CMOC NorthParkes Mine staff; Lake Cowal Foundation; Netwaste; Petaurus Education, Parkes Shire Council Environmental staff, the Biodiversity Conservation Trust, and many volunteers.”
The activities taught children about native and introduced species of fish and their habitats, water treatment processes, waterbugs and macroinvertebrates, biodiversity and habitats, mining and land management, as well as worm farms and recycling.
The students also made seed balls and stamped bags with local native species carvings for the seed balls that will be distributed at next month’s Grazing Down the Lachlan with a focus on local food, sustainability and zero waste.
At the end of the day students took part in a Waste Game Show, and they were asked to list the environmental issues they considered to be important.
“We are proud to once again host a group of fabulous young people. Our volunteers and presenters come away from days like this being inspired by the students and encouraged that they will go back to their school communities and educate others,” said Marg.