Blue Mountains News

At Megalong Public School students will establish a Bush Tucker Trail within the school grounds, and a Bottle Brush Garden comprised of a newly-discovered species (Callistemon Megalongenis) found only within our part of the Megalong Valley.

This project will provide ongoing learning opportunities to teach the children about sustainability principles, including biodiversity and ecosystems. We will work with our local Council and community to share our knowledge, and, through propagation, distribute the Bottle Brush throughout the Megalong Valley. Over time, we hope to increase biodiversity and contribute towards the growth of this new native species, ensuring it's long term survival.

While at Wycliffe Christian school, the Wycliffe community garden project aims to strengthen the school community and to raise awareness of everyday sustainable life choices. It aims to build capacity and resilience, especially for students with extra needs, as they grow up in our rapidly changing world.

This project involves students, parents and the broader school community joining together in building a sustainable garden, learning organic waste management through composting, worm farming, beekeeping and chicken care, and through garden activities that are embedded within the curriculum, with the aim of encouraging life-long sustainable habits.

“Funding grassroots projects is about teaching kids how to live more sustainably,” Mr Mallard said.

“These grants are an important investment in our future – research shows that this can help create better environmental awareness later in life.”

The Eco Schools Grant Program aims to help give kids a hands-on environmental education in their schools. 

Across NSW almost $260,000 in grants were awarded this year for projects due to commence in the first term of 2018, with 74 schools each receiving $3,500 to fund hands-on environmental education.