Students lap up lessons on nature, biodiversity

Pemberton District High School students recently took part in a series of workshops aimed at building their understanding of the importance of nature and biodiversity. Students from Years 1 to 6 took part in a number of activities including learning about native plants, conducting searches in bushland for invertebrates, using firefighting equipment and learning how to trap endangered species in order to study and monitor them. School principal Lee Illingworth said the event was organised to teach the students the importance of caring for the environment. Mr Illingworth said the students learnt about the impact humans have had in the South West, not only in the context of the pioneers but also the Indigenous traces left on the region. “It was a fantastic opportunity for our students to gain a greater appreciation of the incredible forest ecosystems our school is nestled amongst,” he said. “The students loved being able to actively explore our natural environment and learn more about the Indigenous culture of the South West’s Noongar people.” The day was run by a representative from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attraction’s Parks and Wildlife service.