ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

Animal Invaders

Exploring animal invaders and the effects they have on our native flora and fauna have been a common theme for a number of schools last term.

We typically start of sessions by looking at taxidermy and skulls of some of our pest animals, and discussing what body features makes them successful hunters, such as sharp teeth and claws, sausage-like slinky bodies and camouflaged fur colour. We talk about how we can find out what pest animals we have at school and in our landscapes, ways we can monitor for them using tracking tunnels and chew cards and practice looking at how to identify pest animals using these methods.

We then look at maps of the schools to work out where we think pest animals might hang out and what things such as food sources or thick vegetation, would make them use those spaces. Students then set out tracking tunnels and chew cards in those areas to see what they might have roaming the school grounds at night, and we look at different traps and what is suitable for the pests you may have.

Turaki School in Taumarunui had heaps of success with possum, mouse and a cat visiting their tracking tunnels last term. Note they knew they had someone's pet cat which wandered around the school grounds so that wasn't unexpected!

Exploring Kaitiakitanga at Roslyn School

Last term students from Year 3-4 at Roslyn School explored Kaitiakitanga through a science lens for their EOTC (Education Outside the Classroom) day.

The day consisted of a series of rotations where students got to participate in some hands on science experiments, and learning about the different use of a variety of herbs. They looked at some of the pest plants commonly found around Palmerston North, and how to identify them,  how they spread and different ways to control them.

They explored more about some of our native birds, where they live, what they eat and some of the characteristics that make them unique and vulnerable to introduced pest animals.  

Students then had the task of identifying different pest animals footprints on tracking cards and, learnt about different trapping methods to control them.

Students are keen to start using this knowledge to be kaitiaki in their school and beyond.

ENVIROSCHOOLS

New Enviroschools 

We have additional funding in Horowhenua for two new Enviroschools.

So if you are interested, or want to learn more contact us at education@horizons.govt.nz

Tino pai 💚

Unpacking the Herb Kit

In response to requests from our Enviroschools we have created a new herb kit, that contains information on a range of herbs, their uses and how to plant and maintain a herb garden in your school or centre. 

To launch the kit, we hosted two workshops in May at the Herb Farm in Ashhurst. Around 52 enthusiastic educators attended, with some schools bringing along their entire teaching teams.

The workshops ran through the different activities they could do to explore this topic further with their students and Lynn Kirkland from the Herb Farm ran a practical activity where teachers made calendula cream to take away.

Teacher feedback included:

‘I loved learning about the herbs and their ‘special powers’

‘Our seniors are already learning about herbs so we are really keen to have Lynn in to support us’

‘I loved the practical activities – the match the herb to its use, and making the calendula cream”

Note, the herb kit is currently only available for official Enviroschools to borrow and you can email us if you are interested to book this for your class.

Planting Season begins

Winter marks the beginning of planting season, and this year we were stoked to collaborate with the Manawatū River Catchments Collective and Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) On-Farm Support to run two planting days with students on local farms.

Students from three Enviroschools, Mt Bigg, Kiwitea and Kimbolton, who are all local to these farms, were invited to attend. 

The days weren't all just about digging and planting, but were also an opportunity to explore more about water quality and mitigation methods to protect and enhance water quality. Students learnt about the different types of trees planted, and how they can enhance biodiversity and create habitat corridors.

The highlight of the day was learning about, and seeing some of the different native lizards which live in NZ.

Fruit Pruning Workshop

We were thrilled to be able to host a hands-on Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop at Wanganui East Kindergarten, in collaboration with the wonderful team from Sustainable Whanganui. 

We were joined by Seven educators from local schools and early childhood centres, who wanted to deepen their knowledge of fruit tree care.

Together, we explored the unique needs of various fruit trees, including grapevines, feijoas, apples, and stone fruit varieties. We learnt the Using the three D’s” method for looking after our fruit trees, dead, diseased, or damaged. 

Sustainable Whanganui have long handle pruners, loppers and other gardening tool that are available to borrow. If you're interested in borrowing tools, you can email them directly to organise.

Pat Kelly Enviroschools Action Fund

The fund is now open to all schools that are part of the Enviroschools Programme in the Horizons Region.

You can apply for up to $2,000 for action projects that link to the Enviroschools kaupapa and Horizons Regional Council's Strategic Priorities.

For more information and to apply head here

IDEAS & RESOURCES

To register email education@horizons.govt.nz