MORE than 2500 school students will “take a closer look” at nature and celebrate World Environment Day at the Adelaide Botanic Gardens today (Friday June 5).
The huge event features 35 interactive exhibits on a variety of subjects from kitchen gardens to microscopic water bugs and the preservation of endangered plant species.
Tamzyn, 12 in Year 6 at Salisbury North R-7 Primary School enjoyed “creeping through the bushes” in the lush tropical Bicentennial Conservatory yesterday. Many of the plants are at risk or endangered in their natural habitats.
“It was really fun in the forest house, it’s nice and beautiful,” she said.
“I think helping the environment, helping habitats and all that is really important.
“I do scouts and sometimes I do community service, like cleaning up. I’d like to encourage everyone to come and help the environment.”
Education manager Michael Yeo said each of the presenters including garden staff, scientists, conservationists and older students would focus on a key message and “take home” action.
“We are losing a full Adelaide plain full of rainforest every single day on this planet and rainforests provide our oxygen, our medicines, our food and things like that, so they’re pretty important,” he said.
“Then, OK you’ve found out all the forests are being cut down, what can you actually do at home to help? Because we don’t want to load up kids with negative things about the environment.
“What is something you might be able to do in your life. Talk to mum and dad, plant a tree, build a hotel for native bees in your backyard.”
Director Stephen Forbes said the annual event was a long-term partnership with the Department for Education and Child Development but this year was bigger than ever.
“With 35 environmental stations for children to visit and learn, and a record number of students set to descend on the Garden, this will again be the premier World Environment Day celebration in South Australia,” he said.
“Botanic Gardens staff, conservation groups, scientists and industry experts will come together to share their knowledge and passion with the community, helping to inspire the next generation of environmentally-aware citizens.”
