Blue Mountains Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill, joined Winmalee High School students at a tree planting event in Whitton Park, Glenbrook, as part of Blue Mountains City Council’s ‘Connect with Nature’ program.
More than 100 students planted trees at the new biofilter construction site at Whitton Park. Biofilters, often called Raingardens, are specially designed garden beds that absorb and filter stormwater runoff from roads, roofs and paved areas. They help to protect our waterways from stormwater pollutants.
The day’s program included a safety briefing and an expert talk on biofilters. The students then took part in activities including tree planting, heat mapping, and water chemistry.
Cr Greenhill said, “The benefits to children from regular connection with nature include health and happiness outcomes. Providing students with meaningful, purpose-driven learning experiences in nature fosters genuine care and respect for our environment.
“These children are the future stewards of our Blue Mountains and the nature literacy skills they learn today will help protect our precious World Heritage wilderness in the years to come.”
‘Connect with Nature’ is a hands-on environmental learning program, developed by Council and run in partnership with local schools and Early Years Learning Centres.
‘Connect with Nature’ aims to inspire the next generation by connecting children with the distinct Blue Mountains environment and fostering their natural love of nature. In a learning experience unique to our City within a World Heritage Area, it offers young people the opportunity to explore their local water catchment, learn why it’s special and take action to protect it.
Council works with local schools to provide experiential learning in the Blue Mountains bushland setting. Programs are developed with teachers in line with the curriculum. Council staff use their expertise in storm water, water quality and their local ecology to bring the wonder of the Blue Mountains environment to students.
To learn more about the ‘Connect with Nature’ program visit bmcc.nsw.gov.au/schools-program
Photo: Emma Kennedy, Education and Engagement Officer of Blue Mountains City Council’s Healthy Waterways Team and Blue Mountains Mayor Cr Mark Greenhill, holding a Ceratopetalum gummiferum (NSW Christmas Bush) with helping hands at the Whitton Park, Glenbrook, tree planting.
