We believe our children have a right to ‘connect with nature’ and become Kaitiaki of our land. In short, we want to help them grow into real life nature heroes and we’d love your help.
Did you know?
- That 86% of New Zealander’s now live in urbanised areas
- Some children have never been to a forest, a wetland or even the beach
- We have lost 76 species of birds in NZ but we’re successfully saving some too
- Activities like exploring for critters and playing in mud is fun – of course you know that!
The value of nature education
- Time in nature is an essential investment in our children’s health
- If we want future generations to care for nature, then we must ensure they have opportunities to immerse in nature, have fun and develop empathy
- Activities in nature provide a great chance to support different learning styles. Often less academic children thrive in nature
- Understanding that our environment is our foundation, ensures greater benefits for both people and nature
Celebrating our own backyard
Here in the Bay of Plenty we have some amazing environmental treasures.
Our education programme will take our children to sites like Aongatete Forest in the Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park where they will learn about native species, animal and plant pests and how to help restore the health of our forest for future generations. Another education site is Otanewainuku, home to a North Island Brown Kiwi population and some beautiful native forest. Moving from our forests, another site includes the wetlands around Maketu and out to our coastal dunes and rocky shores. Children will build an understanding that everything in nature is connected.
All of our site visits will feature hands on learning activities to inspire our evolving nature heroes.
About Bay Conservation Alliance
Bay Conservation is an Incorporated Society operating in the Bay of Plenty, supporting community-led environmental restoration and nature conservation. Our role supports member groups with a range of tasks including education. It makes much more sense to develop education offerings as a collective and we’re really excited to be launching this new programme in 2019.
Ready to be a nature hero?
