Conservation Programmes for SchoolsMatakana School
Throughout July and August we had the opportunity to work with Matakana School delivering the Forest Bridge Trust Defenders Schools programme.
TFBT educator, Liz Maire, has designed the program to have a multifaceted approach, encouraging students and their families to get involved with local conservation projects and pest control efforts.
The program highlights the importance of creating safe habitats for native birds, including kiwi and other taonga species emphasizing the critical role of pest control in safeguarding our native fauna and flora.
Students were provided with rat traps, mouse traps, and tunnels to use in their backyards. The goal was to give students a practical experience in pest control and inspire them to continue these efforts with their families.
Students also got involved with recording and monitoring, using tracking cards to record the results of their pest control activities and observe through a Garden Bird Survey the positive impact they’d had on bird populations.
The main aim of the school’s program is to engage the entire community in caring for their natural environment and to take action.
If you would like your school to get involved with The Forest Bridge Trust Defenders schools programme please email Liz Marie – liz@theforestbridgetrust.org.nz