ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

Water quality comparisons - up and down stream 

Four classes from Ruahine School have been exploring water quality between small streams and larger rivers. Each class spent time with me testing the water quality at Coppermine Creek, a small stream which originates in the foothills on the eastern side of the Ruahine Ranges and joins other streams which flow into the main Manawatū River at Ferry Reserve. Students completed the same tests at both sites and then we discussed the similarities and differences, and what could be causing the differences. They found mayflies at both sites, which are an indicator of positive stream health, although there were more at the Coppermine site. The students also noted the water clarity was improved at the Coppermine site. They observed that the water looked clear at the Manawatū River but the test revealed that it wasn’t as clear as it should be. The students were however very excited to catch more of our native bullies at Ferry Reserve. This type of study really illustrates how streams can pick up little bits of pollution from both rural and urban land use as it flows throughout our land on the way to the sea.

Mini BioBlitz at Bainesse School

The whole school was involved at Bainesse where they completed a mini BioBlitz of what birds, invertebrates, animal pests and trees they could find in their school grounds. The school wanted an environmental project where all students could take part. To develop any long-term biodiversity project, the students first had to look at what biodiversity they had. Students of mixed ages rotated through different activities in different zones of the school grounds. They did some learning about the different animal and plant groups and then spent some time finding, identifying and counting animals and plants with help from educators. The students were really excited about things they were finding with conversations continuing into their morning tea break. The next step during Term 3 is to look at the information they have gathered and help students think about what actions they want to take such as planting more native trees for birds and invertebrates.   

Schools helping restore felled area at Tōtara Reserve

We have a long term revegetation project happening at our only regional park Tōtara Reserve over the next few years. The poplar trees next to the stop bank had to be removed after some had become diseased, giving us the opportunity to extend the native bush area down towards the river to increase favourable habitats for our native animals. Last term, students from Newbury and Awahou Schools kicked off this project by helping to plant and mulch about 1000 trees. Both schools will be back in the spring/summer to monitor their growth and to ensure the small trees don’t get smothered by weeds and spring growth. In the next few years more than 3000 plants will be put in the ground with more opportunities for the community to get involved in revegetating this popular reserve.     

ENVIROSCHOOLS

Ruapehu Enviroschools have a new Facilitator

We now have 81 Enviroschools across the region. They are supported by seven Facilitators who work individually with Enviroschools on their respective sustainability journeys. Last term we welcomed Alistair Kydd as the new Enviroschools Facilitator for our Ruapehu Enviroschools. Ali returned from Australia last year to his roots in Taumarunui with his young family. He is replacing Emily Jasmine and it turns out that they both went to the same kindergarten together when they were younger!

Here is our facilitation team at a recent regional hui.

Matariki planting at Pukeokahu School

Students at Pukeokahu School have been celebrating Matariki with their community. They planted their first natives trees for their Te Ngahere project. The school received funding from the Pat Kelly Enviroschools Action Fund for the plants. They then treated attendees with a beautiful lunch of warming soup and rolls made by the students themselves.

Congratulations to those who held Bronze holistic reflections

A number of Enviroschools held Bronze reflections last term. Congratulations to Country Educare, Tararua Educare and Monrad Intermediate School. Here are a selection of images from the reflections which are an opportunity for Enviroschools to take a breath, step back and think about all the mahi they have been doing, celebrate their successes with their community, and to plan next steps on their long term journey to create a sustainability school/centre.

RESOURCES