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A food forest, a butterfly garden, a rainforest project, and an outdoor classroom – oh my!

These are just some of the exciting projects that have taken place in schools across five states as part of last year’s Design and Be Inspired in the Garden Program.

The 13 projects, funded by Yates through its partnership with Junior Landcare, have engaged more than 1100 students and 100 volunteers in a variety of hands-on, outdoor learning experiences.

Students in Queensland’s Agnes Water State School have undertaken seed collecting, planting, mulching and harvesting, and prepared tasty treats from the food grown in their own garden.

Oxley Park Public School in New South Wales involved 100 students in the creation of a Bush Tucker Dreaming Garden, planting bush tucker plants and seeds, and creating a Dreaming Circle and a Story Pole.

120 students and 12 volunteers in Tumut Public School in New South Wales have created an amphitheatre as the central focus of their outdoor classroom and will have an excursion to learn about plant propagating with a local Landcare group this term.

Through immersing themselves in these projects, students have learnt new skills and knowledge focussed on growing, where food comes from, biodiversity, establishing healthy ecosystems, and working towards a more sustainable and resilient natural environment. With Junior Landcarers like these in action, the future of our environment is in great hands!

To access free step-by-step guides to help kick off a Junior Landcare project in your school or community, click here.