GBSAN Schools Project
Thanks to funding from philanthropist group NED (Nurturing Evolutionary Development) the GBSAN/Ballandean SS Bell’s Turtle one year project is well underway. Following the excursion to see the turtle hatchery at University of New England, the staff and students are fired up to learn more about how we can protect the endangered Bell’s Turtle and its habitat at Accommodation Creek near the school.
The teachers are cleverly incorporating this engaging topic in curriculum areas.
Our funding enables artist Barb Benham to work with the students to document their information in a playful and creative way via nature journaling. Barb visited the school to introduce the students to nature journaling and accompanied them to the creek to notice, observe and creatively document the creek habitat.
The GBSAN Bushcare group was on hand to collabrate with the school community by preparing tracks along the creek for safe passage of the students, to assist with cleaning up the litter and also presenting a talk on the role of bushcare.
Our guest speaker, Sarah Caldwell, from Mole River Native Nursery presented an informative hands-on experience for the staff and students about native species growing along the banks of the creek, identifying the seed, collecting seed and demonstrating how to propagate these for our planting in Spring. Andrew Pengelly ably assisted Sarah with his extensive knowledge of the local species – even showing us what weeds we can safely eat.
Many thanks go to Ballandean SS principal, Susan Evans, whose tireless efforts, enthusiasm and organisational skills are remarkable!
For more information or to get involved, please contact Geraldine at community@gbsan.org.au.