MOUNT Gambier youths were among over 60 primary school children to take part in the South East Natural Resource Management Board’s first Young Environmental Leaders Program (YELP) forum for 2019.
Recently held in Naracoorte, NRM education coordinator Damien Bickley said the forum and broader program aimed to connect students to the environment while networking with fellow leaders from other schools.
“This is the first of four events the group will meet at over the year,” Mr Bickley said.
“For the first forum, sessions with Doug Nicholls and Ken Jones gave students insight into the indigenous history of the area, including bushfoods, caring for country and landscape change.
“We also went on a tour to found out more about the underground world of bat caves, including trekking along some of the park’s new Rooftop Loop Walk.”
Students also identified environmental issues and brainstormed ideas for projects schools will work on and present at the final forum.
Mr Bickley said the next time the group meets will be at an Earthkeepers Camp.
“The camp is one of the highlights for the program,” Mr Bickley said.
“The outdoor activities go on regardless of the weather, so rain or shine the students are fully immersed and getting a real connection to nature.”
The third forum will focus on pest plants and their effect on the local environment, with the fourth and final forum a chance for students to present their year-long projects and celebrate the journey.
“We want to give students real ownership of choosing a project that means something to them and working towards change within their school, but also thinking beyond that and how their ideas can apply to the broader community,” Mr Bickley said.
