When people have a connection with the environment they are more conscious about their impact.
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This is the concept behind an environmental engagement project in Wendouree that is connecting people of all ages and demographics to local plants, animals and outdoor experiences.
Leigh Catchment Group, a network of eight Landcare groups, has been running environmental activities in Wendouree as part of an Engaging Communities Project initiated by City of Ballarat.
Students of all ages from Yuille Park Community College have participated in frog surveys, tree planting and water monitoring during school excursions with the Leigh Catchment Group.
They learnt about the importance of keeping waterways clean, animals in the local environment and water bugs.
Hopefully that message will stay with them and helps encourage them to care for the environment.
- Bianca Fammartino, Leigh Catchment Group
A wetland wonders walk and evening with the frogs is set to be scheduled before the project's end.
Leigh Catchment Group Environmental Projects Officer Bianca Fammartino said the two-year project aimed to educate community about the local natural environment and encourage them to look after it for future generations.
"It is always important to educate no matter how young children are on the importance of caring for the natural environment and helping them understand native flora and fauna," she said.
"The children love it. On the excursions we told them how rubbish ends up in the waterways and can choke animals and kill waterbugs if we don't put it in the bin.
"I think that was a realisation of the the effects of their litter. Hopefully that message will stay with them and helps encourage them to care for the environment."
Children at Wendouree Children's Centre finished planting native indigenous plants in their garden this week as part of the community engagement project.
Wendouree Children's Centre kindergarten teacher Heather Moore said the planting was part of the centre's Indigenous studies that educated about the children about plants and people.
"Our role as teachers is to educate the next generation of the significance the land and animals play in the heritage of the Indigenous peoples," she said.
"It is also about teaching the children their responsibility in playing a part in ensuring the conservation and preservation of our natural environment so that future generations can enjoy what we have today.
"This project is a part of embedding thought processes into their minds about caring for the planet and respecting Indigenous culture."
Community activity Brunch with the Birds at Mullawallah Wetlands was also run as part of the Wendouree community engagement project.
Ms Fammartino said 28 people attended the brunch and spotted 32 species of birds with bird observer Roger Thomas.
Ballarat has so many hidden natural treasures.
- Bianca Fammartino, Leigh Catchment Group
"A lot of them didn't even know the wetland was there," she said.
"Ballarat has so many hidden natural treasures. We want to help to connect and encourage people to experience them."
City of Ballarat Director Community Development Neville Ivey said 12 different communities have participated in the Engaging Communities Program since it began in 2013.
He said the program builds capacity in local communities and empowers community members to decide on the allocation of funds to deliver local community priorities.
Wendouree, Mount Pleasant and Lucas were the three communities selected in the third wave of the program which commenced in 2017.
As part of the process, the community has been working with council on the development of a new master plan for Wendouree's Wyndholm Reserve. The plan includes proposed upgrades to wetland areas in the reserve.
"After much community consultation, we are intending to place a draft plan on public exhibition in the next couple of months," Mr Ivey said.
Ballarat North, Ballarat East and Delacombe are the three new communities who joined Engaging Communities program in 2019.
A wetland wonders walk and an evening with the frogs are some of the environmental activities that will be scheduled for Wendouree community members before the end of the Wendouree engagement project.
Visit Leigh Catchment Group on Facebook for event details.
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