Hastings Public School rainforest
The Hastings Public School students, teachers and parents have been looking after parts of the rainforest vegetation adjacent to their school for the past 25 years.
Two sides of the school, north and west, are bounded by native vegetation. Yarranabee Creek also flows past the western boundary.
In 2006 the students formed the ‘Environment Friends’. This busy group of children in Years 3 – 6 are involved with the ongoing rainforest restoration project that has attracted some funding from the local council and Landcare. Tasks include: weeding, collecting rubbish, mulching, planting trees, and watering.
The 1 hectare site has encouraged a lot of workers, not just the students. Teachers, parents, local council and Conservation Volunteers Australia have all been involved over the past few years. All with great media coverage.
National Tree Day often involves mass tree plantings on the site by various classes. In 2009, Year 4 students planted 100 palms, ferns and groundcovers. A photo of the event was submitted to the NSW state conference photo competition. Sam and Lachlan from 4C won the Junior category
With more Environmental Levy Funding now available the site will increase its size – more weeds such as lantana and tobacco bush will be removed; and more native trees planted, including rainforest species and koala food trees.
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Year 4 students planted 100 palms
Sam and Lachlan from 4C won the Junior category |