Environment Education Programs Indigenous plants of the Shire


There are currently more than 80 schools and colleges in the The Hills Shire. A number of facilities are available for environmental education within the Shire which also offer programs and activities for students, teachers and the general community, including Brewongle Environmental Education Centre, Annangrove Park Environment Centre, Glenorie Arts and Environment Centre, the Aboriginal Resource Centre and Bidjiwong Community Nursery in Ted Horwood Reserve.

The Hills Shire Council is currently reviewing is Education for Sustainability Strategy.

The following links provide details on some of the projects that have been offered to schools in the past:

 

For information on Council's Education for Sustainability Strategy or Environmental Education programs, please contact the Environmental Education Officer on (02) 9843 0533.

In-School Workshops

School based workshops involve a one hour workshop conducted at the school on four areas of environmental education; including, biodiversity, water, waste and energy. The workshop can be adapted to cater for both primary and secondary students. 

School Environment Days

Your local parks and reserves are the venue for School Environment Days where Council assists with workshops, activities and games as well as catering and tree planting. 

 

Environmental Special Events

These special events are geared towards assisting schools facilitate environmental events and activities and participate in broader community programs that are included in Australia wide environment calendars. For example, Clean Up Australia Day, National Tree Day and Threatened Species Day. More information about these events is located on The Hills Shire Council website Latest Information page, closer to each respective event.  

 

Golden WhistlerBirds As Indicators Project

The Hills Shire Council worked with 9 local schools as part of the Birds As Indicators project during 2008.

Council in partnership with the Australian Museum, Birds Australia, Brewongle Environmental Education Centre and the Cumberland Bird Observers Club have received a grant from the Natural Resource Advisory Council to assist students, teachers and parents with a practical hands on approach to natural resource management.

The program uses birds as indicators of sustainability to educate students about environment conservation and biodiversity monitoring and management. The program involves:

  • Monitoring birds in your school grounds to develop skills in data collection and interpretation
  • Increase understanding of conserving birds and their habitat
  • Enhancing biodiversity in your school as part of the School Environmental Management Plan
  • Increasing awareness and appreciation of birds as indicators of sustainability and the quality of our environment and extend awareness of sustainability themes associated with natural resource management. 

 

Birds as Indicators Newsletter  

Schools Green Network 

  • Are you interested and passionate about the environment? Do you need advice or assistance implementing environmental education in your school? Then why not join the Schools Green Network!
  • The Hills Shire Council facilitates this group of teachers, parents and students interested in the environment.
  • The Network meet once per term at a host school to share information about environmental grants and awards, discuss environmental initiatives and gain support and advice for environmental education projects.

Green Grants Funding

In some years, small grants funding (up to $2,500) is made available for schools in The Hills Shire for environmental equipment (Streamwatch Kits), environmental projects or assistance with implementing School Environmental Management Plans. 

In 2007, we awarded three schools with funding through The Hills Shire Councils' Green Schools Grant program:

  • Excelsior Public School $2,500 for a garden recycling centre for the school and community
  • Tallowood Special School $2,000 for a garden and worm farm for learning programs for disabled students
  • Model Farms High School $500 for updating their Streamwatch Kit.

 

Thank you to the 17 schools who submitted applications for an amazing variety of environmental activities and projects which were all worthy of funding.

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