Whanganui Enviroschools students to learn about our Forgotten Fauna

Students from ten Whanganui primary Enviroschools will soon take part in a Forgotten Fauna Hui hosted by Horizons Regional Council on Tuesday 28 March at Bason Botanic Gardens in Westmere.

Horizons staff will teach students about our often-overlooked native fauna and ways to take action to preserve these animal groups and their ecosystems.
 
Horizons’ senior environmental educator Sarah Williams says the hui has been a hit in past years.
 
“The programme has received such positive feedback from schools and organisations involved that we wanted to give more Enviroschools in the region this opportunity.
 
“It’s a wonderful chance for students to explore nature in a controlled and safe way, to learn about the work that organisations like Horizons does to protect these ecosystems, and practice leadership skills,” says Mrs Williams.
 
“This hui is a great opportunity for these young people to build on their knowledge and spark enthusiasm for our environment.”
 
Guided by Horizons biodiversity and freshwater staff, students will learn about native pekapeka (bats), mokomoko (lizards) and ika (fish) - a unique hands-on experience that has been a highlight for many students from the hui in past years.
 
“The Enviroschools kaupapa is all about sharing our knowledge and empowering young people to take action in areas which are important to them. To be able to continue the outreach of this programme to schools further out in the region is so vital to its continuing success,” says Mrs Williams.

Further information about the Enviroschools programme can be found at:
https://www.horizons.govt.nz/HRC/media/Media/Environmental%20Ed/Enviroschools-Snapshot-Booklet-2022.pdf