School Indigenous Outdoor Learning Area

Teachers, students and parents sought to create an Indigenous learning and garden area with native foods and cultural items, with support from Landcare and Local Land Services.

School Indigenous Outdoor Learning Area

Teachers, students and parents sought to create an Indigenous learning and garden area with native foods and cultural items, with support from Landcare and Local Land Services.

Stronger Together -

LLCI014-034

The issue

Teachers, students and parents at the school wanted to create an indigenous learning space with a native garden but needed support in turning this idea into action. The school contacted the Local Landcare Coordinator and Local Land Services to seek support.

The solution

Hunter Local Land Services and Landcare partnered to facilitate the development of a plan and a planting of 90 tubestock at the school, and to develop a partnership with the school for future natural resource management projects.

A coordinated response between the school, Landcare volunteers and Local Land Services was facilitated, along with coordinated media involvement. The event engaged and encouraged the school kids in science and culture; developed stronger relationships with the school, parents and local elders; enthused local Landcare volunteers; further consolidated organisational collaboration between LLS and Landcare; and commenced dialogue for further events as the garden grows, to develop a flourishing learning space.

http://www.singletonargus.com.au/story/4255796/new-indigenous-outdoor-learning-area-at-sps-photos/?cs=1534

The impact

All participants were enthused by the day and excited for further developments at the learning space. Initial discussions have focused on learning activities such as a walk through with plant monitoring and species identification event with the Local Landcare Coordinator, parents and students, and a reed weaving day with a local artisan producer. Local Landcare volunteers involved in the day thoroughly enjoyed the planting at the school and were overjoyed to be back in the dirt doing something!

Key facts

  • Indigenous Culture and Natural Resources
  • Youth engagement
  • Learning and Educational
  • Inter-generational
  • Inspirational

Project Partners