Schools and kindergartens from across the region are among recipients of the 2020 Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants program.
A total of 113 biodiversity projects and learning activities across the state will share in $409,500.
The projects and activities are designed to provide both environmental and educational outcomes, as well as health and wellbeing benefits.
Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas last week announced recipients in her electorate, including $3320 for Hesket Primary School, $5000 for Candlebark School, Romsey and $3800 for Swinburne Avenue Kindergarten, Gisborne.
Other projects across the region include First Seymour Scout Group, $1345 for a World War One Armistice Centenary Memorial Peace Park at Chittick Park; Korin Korin Kindergarten at Wollert, $3095 for an indigenous garden; St Mary’s College Seymour, $2530 for Native Healing: growing biodiversity and expanding indigenous medicines knowledge; and Whittlesea Secondary College, $3680 for Cross Curricula Biodiversity Studies.
Hesket Primary School will use the grant to create an indigenous edible garden, including nest boxes and rocks, logs and ground-level habitat for local fauna. It will be an important focal point for science education, sustainability and celebration of using indigenous plants to create a landscape feature.
Candlebark Primary School will use its grant for a ‘Garden of Six Seasons’ project and the Swinburne Avenue Kinder grant is for a biodiversity enhancement program.
“These fantastic landcare projects will benefit our young Macedon Ranges residents by providing fun and interactive learning experiences to encourage appreciation and understanding of our beautiful natural environment,” Ms Thomas said.
“Hesket Primary School’s indigenous edible garden is a fantastic way for students to connect with and celebrate the indigenous history of our region.”
The Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants are funded by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning through its Victorian Landcare Program.
