2019 NRM Education Achievements Report - Natural ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
2019 NRM Education Achievements Report
NRM Education
Page 2
Inspiring and empowering young people to
connect with and value our environment.
NRM Education Program
The NRM Education Program in the South Australian Murray-Darling Basin
region is playing a critical role in inspiring and empowering young people to
connect with and value our environment. This report highlights some of the
achievements from 2019.
Why do we work with young people? How do we work with young people?
Approximately 23% of South Australia’s population is The NRM Education team is currently made up of four
made up of young people up to the age of 18. education officers (2.8 FTE) and a team leader. The team
delivers a range of services to schools including youth
The youth of today will be the resource managers and
leadership programs, teacher training, education sessions,
decision-makers of the future.
technical support, and opportunities to participate in
Working with students fosters lifelong learning skills on-ground action.
and achieves meaningful social change. This program is funded by the SA Murray-Darling Basin
Schools are often the heart of the community and Natural Resource Management (NRM) Board and the
can play an important role in influencing family and NRM levies, enabling landholders and community to play
community members to take informed action related an active role in our region’s future.
to natural resource management (NRM) issues.
Our goals
Connecting with nature is also shown to have huge
physical and mental health benefits, especially Create positive behaviour change and build leadership
for children. capacity through increased knowledge, skills and
participation in natural resources management.
Provide opportunities for the broader community
(particularly young people) to connect with nature.
“If we want children to flourish, to become truly Build a community that is well informed, empowered
empowered, then let us allow them to love the earth to take action and can to adapt to change.
before we ask them to save it.” - David Sobel
Meet the team
Page 3
Upper Murray (Riverland) Lower Murray and Mallee Team Leader
Cindy Kakoschke Danielle Packer Angela Breeding Danielle Dutschke Jem Tesoriero
Berri Berri Mount Barker Murray Bridge Murray Bridge
Cindy grew up in the Danielle was born in Angela grew up in Growing up on a farm Jem grew up in Adelaide
Riverland and while she Adelaide and moved to outback South Australia, near Karoonda, exploring where he enjoyed the
left for a time to pursue a the Riverland in her early which is where her love the outdoors has always environment of the
graphic design dream, the teens. She is passionate for learning about the been one of Dani’s backyard, parklands,
smell of rain on red dirt about taking care of the environment developed. favourite activities. creeks and beaches.
and the gleam of the river environment and
She loves seeing the This led her to become Since finishing uni he has
brought her home. spends a lot of her
light bulb moment a member of the River lived in several towns on
spare time volunteering
Passionate about the young people have when Murray Youth Council in the River Murray.
at Gluepot Reserve.
Riverland region and something clicks. high school.
He loves working with the
getting kids outside to Being a mum of a young
Angela also wants to Her interest in the hardworking, enthusiastic
experience their local family Danielle believes it’s
get more young people environment drove her and passionate NRM
environment, Cindy hopes really important to develop
connecting with their local to study in Cairns and to Education team and
to inspire young people children’s interests so that
parks and places. Her complete a sustainability supporting them to
to appreciate their as they become older this
favourite spot in the region project in Africa. Her goal empower young people
backyard and learn how to interest becomes a lifelong
is Lake Bonney at Barmera, is to share with others how and nurture their love and
preserve what we have for passion, or possibly even
where she spends her amazing and important the understanding of nature.
future generations. a career.
summer holidays with environment is.
her family.
2019 fast facts
Page 4
h o o l s tudents
sc
28 high s of the River
r
membe outh Council
Y
Murray
e nts from d
r 5-7 s t u d
ung p a r ticipate
192 Yea ls became Yo uden t s oom
o 2326 st han 75 classr water
33 scho ental Leaders r of t ,
m e in more on frogs, bats tes,
Environ rease in numb s ra
c session acroinverteb ts,
(20% in from 2018) ,m ca
ts quality , tracks and s ray
studen s r
wetland the River Mu
nd
birds a
Our programs and
activities fit together
s l e a r n t about like puzzle pieces.
her t
97 teac ental issues a nt When combined, hey
m e
environ nal developm s c h o o ls in the have a huge ripple
io
profess (49% increase of 77 in effect as the student
s 61 out y-Darling Bas leaders and teachers
session 8) i a
ns
mentio er
ra
SA Mur ith the NRM we work with take their
1 d
from 20 16 m e
g n ewspap
w
worked n team new knowledge and
inclu d i n io
l e s a n d radio Educat skills back to the wider
artic community in the hope
ws
intervie of building a more
sustainable society.
What we offered this year
Page 5
Young Environmental Leaders River Murray Youth Council Education sessions
More than 190 students from 33 schools The River Murray Youth Council (RMYC) We offer a range of sessions that can
in the SA Murray-Darling Basin region is a fantastic opportunity for high school support teachers’ lessons. Presented
participated in the Young Environmental students who are interested in the either in class or on site at a local spot,
Leaders (YEL) Program. environment to come together to meet the sessions are interactive and engaging.
Each term we visit a local place and new people, learn new skills and have input
into what should be done to protect our Topics include frogs, native plants,
learn about a new topic. wetlands, soils, the River Murray,
natural resources.
Students earn badges by sharing bats, macroinvertebrates, threatened
their knowledge and skills through Our goal is to empower young people to species, tracks and scats and other
presentations to their classes, writing make decisions about their local places and environmental issues.
newsletter articles, running activities contribute to a healthier local environment.
with younger students and taking action There are two RMYC groups; Upper Murray
to look after the environment.
Citizen science
and Lower Murray.
There are three YEL groups - Adelaide Members visit local sites including national Citizen science is the collection, analysis
Hills and Fleurieu, Murraylands and parks and wetlands where they take part and sharing of knowledge by members
Mallee, and Upper Murray. in hands-on activities and on-ground of the public. Citizen science projects
projects that help to conserve and protect enlist everyday citizens (such as students)
the environment. to collect or analyse data for real-world
research studies.
Resources, loan kits and support Students take part in the Waterwatch water
We provide lesson plans, activities, Teacher professional development quality monitoring program and bird and
resources and loan kits that enable bat workshops. They use apps to collect
teachers to explore environmental topics At professional development workshops, data about frogs, echidnas, birds and turtles.
in depth. We also offer one-on-one teachers hear from experts about different
environmental topics and have the Citizen science allows students to become
support to teachers to help them plan the eyes and ears for their community.
their lessons and activities or improve opportunity to network and share ideas
sustainability at their site. over afternoon tea.
Our themes: linking with government priorities
Page 6
This year we aligned our program with the Department for Environment and Water’s priorities:
• Connecting people with nature, parks and places
• Sustainable farming and healthy soils
• Pest plants and animals
• Enough water for everyone.
Activities at YEL forums, RMYC project days, and professional development topics aligned with these themes.
Connecting with nature, Sustainable farming and Pest plants and animals Water for everyone
parks and places healthy soils Pest plants and animals and Water is a key part of life in the
Our region has some amazing Sustainable farming and over-abundant native species SA Murray-Darling Basin region.
local parks and places, and it is improvements to land can have harmful impacts on our A healthy, working River Murray
important for young people management practices are environment. Their management is vital to support the health
to know about and care for important ways to achieve a contributes to thriving native of the environment, industry,
these places. productive, climate-resilient and species and ecosystems. communities and the economy.
biodiverse landscape. Young people learn about why We teach young people about
Research has shown there are
many benefits from connecting Young people learn about where these species are a problem and the function and management of
with nature including mental and their food and fibre comes from how we all have a part to play in the River Murray and wetlands, as
physical health benefits. and how to support farmers. preventing and controlling them. well as ways to conserve water.
Young Environmental Leaders
Term 1: Connecting with nature, parks and places/Sustainable farming
and healthy soils
• Held at Coorong National Park, Currency Creek EcoCentre and Gurra Downs.
• Students learnt about sustainable and organic farming methods, dates and
pomegranates, the importance of soils, bush tucker, soil moisture monitoring,
the Coorong, pelicans, Harmony Day, Ngarrindjeri culture, the Storm Boy
movie, bush survival skills and water filtration. Discovering how native plants can provide food and medicine
• Activities included soil testing, tasting bush tucker, making damper,
performing Ngarrindjeri dances, making bliss balls with dates, sharing
languages, building shelters and making water filters.
Student feedback
I learnt there are many varieties of
dates and how important soil is.
I learnt about the Coorong and where
all the water that fills it travels and
comes from. I also learnt about the
Inspecting the date crop
traditional Ngarrindjeri dance!
Teacher feedback
They actually worked well as a team!
They involved everyone in the group
at all times. Being out of the classroom
broke down any barriers between kids.
I loved to see the passion of one of my
Aboriginal students and his sense of
pride for his culture and Country was
incredible.
Learning the Ngarrindjeri pelican dance Learning about date farming at Gurra Downs
Young Environmental Leaders
Page 8
Term 1
Making damper Building shelters - team work and problem-solving required! Making bliss balls with dates Tasting bush tucker in Coorong National Park
Learning about bush tucker With date farmers Dave and Anita Reilly Collecting water from plant leaves Exploring Long Point in Coorong National Park
Young Environmental Leaders
Term 2: Sustainable farming and healthy soils/Connecting with nature,
parks and places
• Held at Ngeringa Winery, Mount Barker, a garlic farm and Mypolonga
Primary School and Hart Lagoon, Waikerie.
• Students learnt about the importance of soils, sustainable farming practices,
growing garlic, biodynamics, vineyards, composting, worm gardens,
waterbirds, animal scats and tracks and environmental monitoring. Learning about the importance of healthy soils
• Activities included soil texture and pH tests, tree planting, building a
compost heap, identifying animal scats, making clay artworks, bushwalking,
birdwatching, rubbish collection and cultivating gratitude for nature.
Student feedback
I learnt how to test toil types. Stinging
nettles were helpful at this farm
because they have deep tap roots.
I am going to tell my friends and
family about the wetland and how it is
so amazing. Identifying various animal scats
The ‘what scat is that?’ activity was
great fun and very interesting.
Teacher feedback
Loved being in such an authentic
learning environment and loved being
with such passionate people.
A disengaged boy who HATES physical
activity, not only participated and was
engaged but he didn’t whine at all
about the walking!
Exploring the vineyard at Ngeringa Winery Birdwatching at Hart Lagoon
Young Environmental Leaders
Page 10
Term 2
Learning about soils It turns out kale is delicious! Organic garlic keeps the vampires away! Composting is an art
Creating nature artworks A nature gratitude circle - sharing what we’re thankful for Soil pH testing Breaking the ice by building nature wordsYoung Environmental Leaders Barmera Environmental Expo
Term 3: Pest plants and animals Rather than hosting a separate YEL forum
during the busiest month of the year, the
• Held at Kinchina Conservation Park (near Murray Bridge) and Frahns Farm Upper Murray NRM Education team invited
(near Monarto). all YEL schools to attend the Barmera Primary
• Students learnt about local threatened birds and the impacts of weeds, School Environment Expo.
introduced animals and overabundant native species. Students attended and participated in
• Activities included a weed walk, sorting seeds by how they spread, using workshops presented by Barmera PS
GPS units to survey weeds and rabbit warrens, trying kangaroo sausages and students while some YEL schools including
recipes made from weeds, spraying bridal creeper, checking nest boxes, bird Renmark North PS and Kingston-on-
banding and assessing grazing pressure. Murray PS presented their own hands-on
environmental workshops on the day.
Student feedback
My favourite part was helping the
environment by spraying the bridal
creeper, also trying the couscous with
the weed sauce!
I learnt that you can use some fungus
to kill weeds. Students presenting their workshop
I did not know that kangaroos were
so destructive and sometimes
considered pests.
Teacher feedback
My student’s knowledge has increased
through identifying weeds and control
methods – in particular the use of
biocontrols like spore water.
My favourite part about today was
being hands-on! GPS, spraying, etc.
Bird banding at Frahns Farm Checking nest boxes for birds Tasting tea made from stinging nettlesYoung Environmental Leaders
Page 12
Term 3
Giving a bird a drink before release Finding out about the damage kangaroos can do to native plants Learning about how weeds spread Spraying invasive bridal creeper
Making bee hotels at Barmera Expo Using single use plastics to create art at Barmera Environmental Expo Inspecting bridal creeper Checking out a bird next at Frahns FarmYoung Environmental Leaders
Term 4: Enough water for everyone
• Held at Mannum, Goolwa barrage and Lock 5/Bert Dix Park.
• Students learnt about how much water is available for humans and wildlife,
the importance of the river to Aboriginal people, frogs, wetlands, regulators
(weirs, locks and barrages), environmental watering, fishways, seals, how
much water we use around our homes and the River Murray Youth Council.
• Activities included building a river and wetland system out of plasticine, Inspecting Lock 5
playing water sharing games, making bird and insect watering stations,
competing in a scavenger hunt, drawing past, present and future versions of
the river system, inspecting the lock and barrage and watching seals play.
Student feedback
I think the best part of today was
learning about how the locks,
regulators and weirs work because now
I can educate our school about it.
I didn’t know how fish got to the other
side of the lock. Building a model of the river system out of plasticine
You can only use a bit of the Earth’s
fresh water and that wetlands are not
always wet.
Teacher feedback
The (NRM Ed) team make [YEL]
amazing. The knowledge and history
was brilliant.
Thanks again for another great suite
of expos and events. The speakers are
great and relate well to the students.
Getting up close to native frogs Learning about the Goolwa barragesYoung Environmental Leaders
Page 14
Term 4
Drawing how the river used to be Bryce from SA Water teaching us about the barrages Making bird and insect watering stations Watching the seals on the Goolwa Barrage
A beautiful bird bath Having fun on the Goolwa barrage Creating models of the river Meeting native frogsYoung Environmental Leaders
Sharing their learning
Each term, the Young Environmental Leaders are encouraged to share what they
have learnt with their peers, school and wider community. They receive badges
for the work they do:
Take action Kids teaching kids
The Action badge is all about Students plan and run
encouraging students to DO a hands-on workshop
something - starting a recycling for younger students at
program, organising a planting school to earn their Kids
day, building a veggie garden. teaching kids badge.
Presentation News spreader
Students develop and deliver a Students write a
presentation for their class, school captivating article about
assembly or staff meeting to share the YEL forum for their
their knowledge and skills. school newsletter or local
newspaper.
An example of this year’s sharing:
• After Term 1, Waikerie Primary School presented a lesson to 38 other
students on dates and date palms which included a sensory activity and
getting kids to write about dates. They also planted date seeds in their
school nursery with two junior primary classes.
• After visiting Coorong National Park, Springton Primary School taught the
Ngarrindjeri pelican dance to 40 primary school students and performed at
their Reconciliation Week assembly.
• Goolwa Primary School students planted a veggie garden and made a
worm farm and have been giving away their produce.River Murray Youth Council
Upper and Lower Murray camp
Nineteen members from both the Upper and Lower Murray RMYC groups
attended a two day camp at Yookamurra Wildlife Sanctuary in the April school
holidays to learn about the local environment and develop leadership skills. The
students looked at mallee ecology, spotlighted at night for threatened animals
and collected scats to figure out what animals were around.
We covered some of the many facets to becoming a great leader through RMYC members using their problem-solving skills to untangle themselves
hands-on activities. Members used blindfolds and puzzle pieces to develop
communication and teamwork skills, untangled themselves and knots for
problem solving, and painted watercolour postcards to inspire their families.
The students also ‘gave back’ to Yookamurra by completing a waste audit and
presenting to the staff about how their waste could be managed
more sustainably.
Visiting Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park on day two was a unique opportunity
for the group. Sam from the Mannum Aboriginal Community Association shared
stories of traditional hunting, gathering, trading and more. Sam completed the
tour with a powerful message to the RMYC that we are all a part of this land and
it’s up to all of us to work together to look after it. Exploring Yookamurra Wildlife Sanctuary
Quotes from RMYC members RMYC values
I liked the bird walk. We saw bilby, bird, bettong and • Teamwork
possum prints. • Respect
I learnt how hard it is to recycle stuff in remote areas. • Responsibility
My favourite part was the night walk because we got to (as chosen by RMYC members)
see the nocturnal animals in their natural habitat.
The RMYC camp was
I liked getting to know everyone, their names and why supported by a grant from:
they are here.
I learnt about different careers in the environment.
Getting artyRiver Murray Youth Council
Page 17
Upper and Lower Murray camp
Upper and Lower Murray RMYC members came together for the camp at Yookamurra What scat is that? Working on our communication skills
Visiting Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park Conducting a waste audit The things you find! Looking for scatsRiver Murray Youth Council
Upper Murray and Lower Murray
• Forums were held during the term and school holidays, with an emphasis on
taking action to look after the environment.
• Forums were held at Riverglades Wetland (Murray Bridge), Kinchina
Conservation Park, Thieles sandbar (Loxton), Swanport Reserve (Murray
Bridge), Lake Bonney (Barmera) and Frahns Farm (Monarto).
• Members learnt about managing national parks, introduced species, birds, Controlling invasive prickly pear
microplastics, fruit fly, waste, weed control methods, turtles, revegetation
practices, overnight bushwalking skills, frogs and habitat monitoring.
• Activities included installing checking nest boxes, rubbish collection,
controlling and removing prickly pear, monitoring bats, catching carp,
removing tree guards, surveying microplastics, watering 5000 newly planted
trees and helping with community events.
• We also made time for fun with bushwalking, fishing, releasing baby turtles
and watching the 2040 documentary.
Quotes from RMYC members Visiting Riverglades Wetlands where we released baby turtles
I learnt how trees are planted strategically
e.g. grass: in patches, trees: spread out.
I loved the bushwalk - it was fun and the
views were amazing.
The best thing about the day was
picking up the rubbish because I helped
the environment.
Completing a microplastics survey sample from Lake Bonney Collecting data about the nest boxes at Frahns FarmRiver Murray Youth Council
Page 19
Upper Murray and Lower Murray
Removing tree guards at Kinchina CP A huge amount of rubbish collected from Kinchina! Microplastics survey Collecting data for a microplastics survey
Picking up rubbish Looking for bats in the Riverland Bushwalking fun Inspecting the ruins at Kinchina Conservation ParkRiver Murray Youth Council
Page 20
Upper Murray and Lower Murray
Hello Fleurieu! Youth Festival
The River Murray Youth Council was invited to host a stall at the Hello
Fleurieu! Youth Festival at Currency Creek. The festival encourages
young people to share their knowledge and skills with other young
people and so we encouraged our RMYC members to pick a topic and
design activities.
The Lower Murray RMYC members decided to focus on waste and teach
others how to reduce their impact.
They showed off their amazing art skills with posters and displays and
were not shy in chatting to the event’s many attendees and the local
radio station about waste reduction techniques.
Removing prickly pear Fishing for carp at Thieles Sandbar They also ran some fantastic engagement activities including:
• how to make a waste-free lunchbox
• ‘what bin does it go in?’ game
• ‘how long does rubbish take to break down?’ game
• how to make beeswax wraps
• how to swap single-use items for more sustainable choices
• microplastics surveying.
Got one! Learning about invasive weed species, particularly prickly pearTeacher professional development sessions
Page 21
The professional development sessions are a chance for local teachers to learn about natural resources and environmental issues,
develop their skills, network with other educators and find out more about what the NRM Education team offers.
Explore the Coorong Microplastics surveying
In March, 45 teachers from the Lower Murray, Riverland, South East and Adelaide travelled to Parnka Point, A PD session was hosted in
Coorong National Park. Young Ngarrindjeri leaders Rita and Michael Lindsay performed the Welcome to partnership with AUSMAP to
Country, spoke about their connection to Country and work on the Storm Boy movie, and performed four educate teachers and interested
dances. Every single teacher got involved in performing the nori (pelican) dance. community members on the correct
Park Ranger Tim Hartman Snr spoke about the importance of the Coorong, flora and fauna, threats, park technique to monitor microplastics
management and restoration projects, and fielded questions from the teachers. We then hit the water with the near waterways.
crew from Canoe the Coorong. After kayaking over to the peninsula, Tim Snr and Tim Jr led bush food walks Attendees of the training session
through the dunes to where the Canoe the Coorong crew had cooked up our delicious lunch of mulloway were accredited to run their own
burgers. Teachers had free time to wander along the beach or spend more time kayaking. community monitoring sessions to
The NRM Education team launched a new Coorong National Park Teacher Resource Pack. This pack includes add to the only scientifically valid
info about the biodiversity and hydrology of the park, its history and current management. microplastics database.
Well done everyone involved in organising such a great event, the
presentations were excellent, including set-up and literature available.
Despite living in relatively close proximity to Parnka, even as a local I
don’t often get the opportunity to participate in kayaking across the
Coorong, and crossing the dunes via the cocklers’ track to the ocean
that beckons beyond. As usual this day out didn’t disappoint, in fact
with the bonus of Rita and Michael’s Welcome to Country - this was a
truly special experience, with the back drop of the Coorong, just magic!
I’ll never forget witnessing this! The cultural aspects and bush tucker
information delivered by locals Tim Hartman Snr and Tim Hartman Jr
was excellent also, genuine and authentic connection to their heritage,
the Coorong region and future hopes for this community and area.
Of course, being treated to sample some bush tucker and mulloway
with our lunch topped off a great day!
- Kirsty Bagshaw (teacher)Teacher professional development sessions
Page 22
Bee Pee Dee Going green: teach environmental education
Twenty teachers from seven Riverland schools learnt about the In November, 20 teachers from nine schools attended a professional
importance of bees. Guest speaker Mark DeCaux (aka The Bush development session that offered an overview of the NRM Education
Bee Man) shared his extensive knowledge and enthusiasm for program for 2020. The team and special guest speakers ran concurrent
honey bees. sessions designed to inspire teachers to expand and include
Danielle spoke about the native bee species, how important they environmental topics and activities in their teaching. The concurrent
are and how we can provide habitat for these solitary creatures. sessions included:
Cindy shared insights and considerations for having honey bees in • NRM and STEM: How to use NRM Education resources in STEM
a school environment and what resources are available (presented by Jeany Winter, science teacher at Waikerie PS)
for teachers. • Biological science ideas to apply in the classroom (presented by
To end the night, participants made beeswax wraps or native bee Zack Plaquet, science teacher at Berri PS)
BnBs to take home or back to school. • Loan kits and integrating NRM
Education with the curriculum
Something I’ll try back at school: (presented by Angela Breeding,
Talking about the importance of NRM Education Officer)
bees and making beeswax wraps.
• Working with high schools
Talk about the hexagons honey (presented by Cindy Kakoschke
bees use to create their hives. NRM Education Officer)
Planting plants for bees.
• Young Environmental Leaders
program (presented by Dani
Dutschke NRM Education Officer)
• Cultural education sessions
(presented by Chris Koolmatrie,
Aboriginal Partnerships)
Teachers also participated in hands-
on activities, making bee BnBs and
beeswax wraps and doing traditional
weaving with sedge.Achievements and events
Page 23
Education sessions Barmera Environmental Expo
Hands-on interactive classroom sessions continued to be wildly The Expo, now in its 12th year is an amazing ‘Kids Teaching Kids’
popular in 2019. More than 70 sessions were delivered in class event organised by Barmera Primary School. It takes place over two
or out in the field for more than 2300 students. Topics included days and all primary schools in the Riverland are invited to attend
frogs, macroinvertebrates, the River Murray, turtles, carpet and participate in workshops or deliver a workshop teaching their
pythons, threatened species, tracks, scats and traces, food webs, peers about an environmental topic.
wetlands, water quality, fish, native plants, salinity, connecting
Cindy spoke to the group of more than 200 students about the
with nature, food miles, sustainable farming, birds and waste.
effect of microplastics on our environment and some small steps
These sessions support units of work that the class is working we can all take to reduce plastic use and waste. The results from
on, such as animal adaptations or environmental issues. Often the Lake Bonney survey were presented to the group. Danielle and
they are an introductory lesson, designed to ignite curiosity and Cindy assisted the large group of students to search for plastic
inspire the students to become engaged in the topic. waste in sand trays and add their findings to the Micro Murray
cod and Plastic Percy pelican mascots that will be used to promote
The sessions are often supported by NRM Education’s many
microplastic surveys and plastic waste reduction.
loan kits, which feature models, games and other resources.
The team also delivered two sessions for smaller groups about
native bees, with students building their own bee BnBs.
New resource
Coorong National Park teacher
resource kit
A resource pack with activities and
information about the biodiversity and
hydrology of the park.
Teachers can also discover it’s history
and current management.Achievements and events
Page 24
Karoonda Farm Fair Park of the Month Family Day
As part of the Natural Resources Each month a different South Australian
SA Murray-Darling Basin display, national park is selected as the ‘Park of the
the NRM Education team ran ‘what Month’ with a range of activities to attract
scat is that?’ and ‘match the track’ new visitors.
activities, with participants identifying
NRM Education staff supported the Murray
the tracks and scats of native and
River National Park Family Day at Katarapko
introduced animals.
in September by providing waterbugs, nature
activities and giveaways.
Laratinga Wetlands Bird Fair We also organised yoga instructors to provide
The NRM Education and Citizen Science family yoga sessions.
teams hosted a stand at the Laratinga
Bird Fair, organised by Mount Barker
Council. Angela ran activities for children
including making bird baths and a
colouring in competition.
Riverland Field Days
NRM Education presented a display on microplastics
to share the results from a recent survey completed
by RMYC students at Lake Bonney. More than 70
community members participated in their own mini
microplastics survey and added plastic waste to our
plastic mascot Plastic Percy.
Participants won reusable bamboo straws, to
encourage them to reduce their reliance on single
use plastics. Looking for waterbugs at the Park of the Month Family DayAchievements and events
Page 25
Art and Science; Macroinvertebrates Work experience Children’s University
As part of National Science Week and Natural Resources SA Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources SA Murray-
the South Australian Living Artists (SALA) provides work experience placements for Darling Basin continues to be
Festival, we partnered with Riverland artists students who are considering careers in a ‘learning destination’ for the
Liz Frankel and Toni Schwarz, Country Arts SA natural resource management. Children’s University.
and science research artist Charles Tambiah
Several students completed their work Workshops and field days activities
to create a unique event for students to
experience with us in 2019. were advertised as Children’s
discover macroinvertebrates.
University events, with members
The 91 students and community members attending and getting their
studied macros up close using microscopes passports stamped.
and magnifiers and learnt about the different
kinds of bugs. Charles Tambiah talked to
students about macro photography and how
to take good photos using iPads and phones.
NRM Education staff spoke to students
about waterbugs, their features and cool
facts. Students were then invited to make A work experience student helping with wetland monitoring Children’s University members take part in a fungi foray
their own waterbugs from recycled materials,
New resource
with artists Toni Schwarz and Liz Frankel
on-hand to support and advise.
Frog kit
To increase students’ understanding of our
local frog species, local artist Toni Schwarz
created 10 fabulous models.
The frog loan kits also include
identification sheets and fun facts about
each species.Achievements and events
Page 26
A precious plant for a Microplastics surveying
precious mum Microplastics (plastics smaller than 5 mm) are a big issue
This beautiful initiative, delivered in and have become a focus in the media. In May we took
partnership with the Ecology team, part in training run by AUSMAP (Australian Microplastics
involved students learning about local Assessment Project) and became certified in conducting
threatened plants. microplastics surveys.
262 students investigated why species Both River Murray Youth Council groups then took part in
are under threat and ways we can microplastic surveys at Swanport Reserve, Murray Bridge
conserve them. Each student received a and Lake Bonney, Barmera. It has been fascinating to
Monarto mintbush or silver daisy-bush compare the results of the upper and lower parts of the
to give to someone special for river system. We’re pleased to say that we didn’t find many
Mother’s Day. microplastics, although general rubbish remains a problem
in these areas.
The Lower Murray RMYC then shared their knowledge and
skills at the Hello Fleurieu! Youth Festival, while Cindy and
Danielle educated students at the Barmera Environmental
Expo and Riverland Field Days.
We are working with Goolwa Primary School to survey
Goolwa Beach next year and Riverland schools will be invited
to help with future Lake Bonney surveys.
New resource
Lifecycles kit
Perfect for younger years, this kit contains real frog lifecycle samples (set
in resin), large magnet lifecycles, colouring sheets, puppets and sensory
bottles and activities.Achievements and events
Page 27
Calendar artwork competition Berri Rodeo Grounds community consultation
2020 is the UN’s International Year of Plant Health. To celebrate As part of the Community Engagement branch, the NRM
we ran a competition for students to submit artwork of native Education team are often invited to assist with community
plants to feature in a calendar. 262 creative students eagerly sent consultation activities.
in their entries, making it very difficult to select the winners! The
In September, National Parks staff conducted a clean-up of the
winning entries received printed copies the calendar to share with
Rodeo Grounds near Berri and community members were invited
family and friends.
along to help. Cindy attended to provide a casual consultation
The 2020 calendar is available for download from our website. session to find out what the community members would like to
see happen in the area which has recently become part of the
Murray River National Park.
After chatting to the participants over a snag and bread, ideas
and suggestions were documented for when development of the
area goes ahead.
Carpet python sessions
In Ttrm one, we collaborated with Mid
Cover image by Lila, Loxton Lutheran School Image by Jorja, Mypolonga Primary School Murray Landcare to deliver sessions
educating students and teachers (and
the wider community) about Murray-
Darling carpet pythons.
335 students from four schools learnt
about the local python species, the
importance of preserving habitat and
how to record sightings. Students and
teachers were able to get up close to
a python named Bill.
Image by Lachlan, Renmark High School Image by Kheng Yin, Mount Barker Waldorf SchoolAchievements and events
Page 28
OSHC sessions Fungi fun in the forest Other events
We visited several out of school We partnered with Mount Barker Library to NRM Education staff also attended and ran
hours care (OSHC) programs, help families explore the fascinating world workshops and activities at the following events:
running workshops about of fungi at Kuitpo Forest. • Adelaide Hills Careers Expo
frogs, macroinvertebrates, Armed with ID charts, the 85 participants • Unity College Careers Expo
tracks, scats and bones, and found all sorts of cool, colourful fungi and
the River Murray. • Natural Resources South East Salt Creek
learnt about what makes them so special.
schools event
One OSHC group even went Children then made their own fungi models
geocaching and bushwalking out of clay. • Riverland Family Daycare Mud Day
at Kinchina Conservation Park • Waterbugs in the Park
with Dani.
• MEGA Microbat, Mozzie and Movie Event.
OSHC sites reported that many
of these days booked out,
with many children eager to
take part in the fun hands-on
activities.
Best dressed competition at the MEGA Microbat, Mozzie and Movie EventCase studies
Page 29
Barmera YEL win Landcare Award Ramco Primary School
Barmera Primary School’s Young Environmental Leaders won Ramco Primary School’s Ramco Environment Group (REG)
the Woolworths Junior Landcare Team Award at the 2019 South students have had a very busy year focusing on waste and
Australian Landcare Awards. recycling. Team members launched their new recycling station
at school which they created with the help of a Woolworths
The YEL students plan and carry out a wide range of environmental
Junior Landcare Grant. The station provides excellent options for
activities both within the school and the wider community. They
recycling including paper and hard/soft plastics.
are keen environmentalists who strive to motivate others to live
more sustainably and care for the natural surroundings. They are REG students are also a valuable part of the NRM Education
enthusiastic learners themselves in discovering new and different Young Environmental Leaders (YEL) Program and have achieved
ways of spreading their message of caring for the land. They not a great deal throughout the year sharing their learnings back
only speak and show but get right into the hands-on experiences at school. They have written newsletter articles, presented to
of creating and maintaining their environment. groups at the school, delivered hands on workshops to their
peers and younger students and have planted trees and shrubs
The group will represent South Australia at the 2020 National
to improve the school gardens.
Landcare Awards in Sydney.Case studies
Page 30
Malleefowl expert Cambrai Primary School
engages students Early in 2019, teacher Michele Holloway contacted NRM
After borrowing our threatened Education to assist in developing a term-long program focussing
species kit, Loxton Lutheran on learning about the River Murray. Each week students
School teacher Karl Klose was covered a different topic such as water resources, fish, frogs,
interested for his class to learn macroinvertebrates, Indigenous culture.
more about malleefowl. Students started the term with an excursion to Riverglades and
NRM Education staff facilitated Rocky Gully Wetlands, lead by NRM Education staff. The aim of
contact between Karl and “I just wanted to say a big thank you the excursion was to have the students test and compare the
local malleefowl enthusiast for recommending Lew Westbrook. health of each wetland.
His knowledge totally engaged the
Lew Westbrook, who visited Year 2s of Loxton Lutheran and Throughout the term the
the school and delighted the made for a much richer unit on school used the NRM Education
children with his presentation. living things.” - Karl Klose loan kits and resources to
inspire activities and highlight
Murray-Darling Basin field trips curriculum links for each topic.
Year seven students from Stirling East Primary School spent most The final session was an
of this year studying the Murray-Darling Basin and researching the excursion at Paiwalla Wetland.
issues it is facing. Small groups of students visited different parts Students took part in
of the River Murray and NRM Education staff assisted with a visit fish monitoring and bird
to Murray Bridge. identification with local
Dani accompanied four students on a visit to Swanport and experts as well as water
Rocky Gully Wetlands, helping with water quality tests and quality monitoring and
macroinvertebrate identification. Murray-Darling Basin Authority macroinvertebrate identification.
officer Monique White also assisted to answer questions about
the management of the basin.
The students’ projects featured in an ABC News article.What do teachers think about NRM Education?
Page 31
Teachers are asked to evaluate each individual program or session, enabling the NRM Education team to continually
improve the program so that it best meets the needs of schools.
I attended the Explore the Coorong teacher I loved seeing how art and science intersect Plants given to students to give as Mother’s
PD earlier this year and found it to be the through the use of accurate and close-up Day gifts - very excited about this. Much
best PD that I have done in years! It was so photography. feedback from parents about how thoughtful
incredibly valuable on a personal level and as an it was and what a lovely gift, including the
Outdoor Educator, it has enriched my teaching printed wrapping paper and informative card.
Students were able to see how creativity can be
in the areas of Indigenous cultural knowledge, A great idea. Would definitely recommend
achieved through careful thinking, planning
understanding of conservation works in the and participate again. It fitted into our science
and persistence.
Coorong and networking opportunities. program so well.
The students were engaged during the entire
This professional presentation by Cindy helped
I wanted to thank you for running such session and showed some really creative ideas
the students gain valuable knowledge on
interesting, innovative and engaging sessions with their ‘recycled’ macros. Charles Tambiah
frogs and assisted them to write a precise
across 2019. I sincerely hope there is continued was really interesting to listen to and had an
information text on frogs.
funding for these great opportunities for both approachable manner when interacting with
students and their teachers in 2020. I have been the students.
able to integrate much of the learning from YEL The Coorong PD was an amazing opportunity
into some of my science lessons this year. to connect with NRM members and local
Our students really enjoyed the session with
Ngarrindjeri peoples. We learnt so much critical
Danielle, especially taking home their precious
plant to mum. Feedback from the mums was information both environmental and cultural
There have been positive impacts for my class and we look forward to sharing this knowledge
also positive and some remarked on how
because your session has come so closely linked carefully their child handed over the plant to with our students and community.
to our ‘Wetlands Study’. This has been reflected them on Mother’s Day.
in their level of ongoing interest in the topic I’ve loved the variety of topics at YEL this year.
and thoughtful questions of concern about what My students are very motivated and have Students’ interest has grown in the environment
might happen to our local frogs if water does great ideas which they didn’t have before they and they are passing on their knowledge in
not stay clean. attended YEL. general conversation.Thanks to our supporters
Page 32
Our program would not succeed without the help from Natural Resources SAMDB staff, Landcare groups, university experts and
volunteers. We would like to extend a massive thank you to these people:
• Helen Crisp and staff at Yookamurra Wildlife • Tim Hartman Snr, Tim Hartman Jr, Matt Hartman, • Joel Horn, District Officer
Sanctuary, Australian Wildlife Conservancy Angus Droogan-Turniski, Candice Love • Chris Koolmatrie, Aboriginal Project Officer
• Bryce Buchanan and Brad Everett, and Georgina Trevorrow, Coorong National
• Hannah Spronk, District Manger Riverland
SA Water Park rangers
• Jodie Woof, Senior District Officer
• Brett Kennedy, Riverland Fruit Fly Coordinator, • Rita and Michael Lindsay
PIRSA • Jeany Winter, Waikerie Primary School • Miranda Leckie, Project Officer
Capacity Building
• Dave and Anita Reilly, Gurra Downs • Zack Plaquet, Berri Primary School
• Phil McNamara, NRM Communities
• Adrian Sherriff, Animals Anonymous • Jo Bevan and Natalie Coote, Berri Primary School Senior Project Officer
• Paul Cooper, garlic farmer • Glenys Matthews, Barmera Primary School
• Sam Walters, Pike Floodplain Ecologist
• Alan Shepherd, composting and community • Yatco Wetland Landcare Group
• Kate Mason, Wetlands
garden expert • Calperum Station staff Management Officer
• David Hughes, Mypolonga Primary School • Natasha Dawson, Environmental Education • Tony Randall, Team Leader
• Janet Klein and Tammy Bernhard, Coordinator, Natural Resources South East Sustainable Agriculture
Ngeringa Winery • Brenton Carle, Canoe the Coorong • Bec Gould, District Officer
• Karen Bishop, Riverland West Landcare • Charles Tambiah, Australian National University
• Courtney Monk, Wetland Project Officer
• Helga Kieskamp, Berri Barmera Landcare • Liz Frankel, artist
• Sam Hardy, Wetland Project Officer
• Loxton Landcare staff • Toni Schwarz, artist
• Waikerie Primary School’s Youth Environment • Richard Walsh, Floodplain Projects Officer
• Rebecca Kennedy, Country Arts SA
Team • Glenn Chisholm, Ranger
• Chaffey Theatre Renmark staff
• Ben Simon, Jacqui Wilson and Regina Durbridge, • Michael Boon, Indigenous Officer
• Steve Scown, Wetland Habitats Trust
Goolwa-Wellington Local Action Planning • Communications Team staff
Association • Mark and Tricia DeCaux, the Bush Bee Company
• Monique Percy, Mount Barker Library • Jeremy Nelson, Land and Water Management
• David Paton, Fiona Paton and volunteers from Planning Officer
BioR • Claudia Santori, University of Sydney
• Terri Minge, Infrastructure Operations Officer
• Mannum Aboriginal Community Association Inc • John Freebairn, Investigator College
• Tony Stevens, Ranger
• Aimee Linke, Mid Murray Landcare
Natural Resources SAMDB staff: • Ali Stokes, Senior Project Officer
• Michelle Clothier, Mel Treloar and Phil Roberts,
• Sylvia Clarke, Citizen Science Senior • Bec Stevens, Project Officer Media and
Lower Murray RMYC mentors
Project Officer Communications
• Myles Fauser, Renmark Paringa Landcare
• Kerri Waldhuter, Community • Natural Resources SAMDB Administration team
• Monique White, Murray–Darling Engagement Officer
Basin Authority • Natural Resources SAMDB Communications team
• Sophie Bass, District OfficerNRM Education
Page 33
Inspiring and empowering young people to
connect with and value our environment.
Contact details
Website: www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au/samurraydarlingbasin
Team Leader Upper Murray Lower Murray
Jem Tesoriero Cindy Kakoschke Danielle Dutschke
Team Leader, NRM Communities NRM Education Officer Education Officer
Natural Resources Centre Natural Resources Centre Natural Resources Centre
110A Mannum Road 2 Wade Street 110A Mannum Road
Murray Bridge SA 5253 Berri SA 5343 Murray Bridge SA 5253
Phone 08 8532 9100 Phone 08 8580 1800 Phone 08 8532 9100
Email jem.tesoriero@sa.gov.au Email cindy.kakoschke@sa.gov.au Email danielle.dutschke@sa.gov.au
This program is funded by the SA Murray-Darling Basin NRM Board and the http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
NRM levies, enabling landholders and community to play an active role in our © Crown in right of the State of South Australia, Department for
region’s future. Environment and Water. Security Classification PUBLIC –I1-A1You can also read
