Mini-beasts, that is.
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Year 5 and 6 students from Forbes, Parkes and surrounds descended on the Central West Livestock Exchange yesterday for Eco Day.
Eco Day launched more than five years ago to give the region’s kids some “hands-on” experience of environmental and rural activities.
Yesterday was certainly hands-on.
Students were handling worms as they learned about the benefits of having a worm farm and planting and propagating trees.
They got up close and personal with invertebrates ranging from huntsman spiders to stick insects at the Mini Beasts workshop, then learned about responsible fishing as well as Wiradjuri culture with FishCare volunteer Russell Spencer.
Stock and station agent Geoff Rice explained how stock are brought to sale in Forbes, while Parkes Shire Council talked about stopping the spread of noxious weeds.
The day finished up with a workshop from Paul Kirk, also known as The Snake Man, which allowed kids an opportunity to get up close with reptiles.
He talked about snake safety and how to handle non-venomous snakes. He also talked them through what they do if they get bitten.
Chris Lane from Invasive Species SRC spoke with the students about how domestic pets can become pests and what they can do to prevent this.
Central West Lachlan Landcare chair Margot Jolly said all students went home with a reusable bag and information on the Murray Darling Basin, a notebook and Enviro Stories book written by students in the local area.
“We want the kids to go away thinking about what they can do in their own homes and schools that can make a difference and prevent needless waste,” Ms Jolly said.
The Eco Day team said Forbes’ saleyards was a great place to spread the message about the environmental efforts of farmers, local businesses and groups making a difference in our communities.
Eco Day is made available through Central West Local Land Services, Forbes and Parkes Shire Councils, presenters, volunteers and schools. Bernardi’s Supa IGA provided the barbecue lunch.