It is not every school day you get to ‘hug’ a python. This was one of several activities more than 70 students from Parkes and Forbes experienced for Schools Tree Day at Eco Day 2018 last week.
Central West Lachlan Landcare (CWLL) organised workshops and bus travel for school representatives from years 5 and 6 to be involved in a variety of environmental and rural activities.
Students were able to make NetWaste worm farms; soils with Local Land Services; see a Parkes Shire Council weeds
demonstration and talk; learn about recycled water with Parkes Shire and mascot Banjo; Eco Art with Ro Burns; and go on a saleyards tour with Cooper Byrnes from Langlands Hanlon.
The day finished with a hands on workshop by Paul Kirk (aka The Snake Man) and an interactive workshop with Chris Dart from Netwaste, helping students to reduce the waste that goes to landfill.
Paul allows the students to get up close with reptiles. He talked about snake safety and how to handle non-venomous snakes. They also learned what to do if they are bitten and then had a chance to meet some friendly pythons.
“We want the students to go away thinking about what they can do in their own homes and schools to make a difference and prevent needless wastage, and the connection between humans and the environment,” said Margot Jolly, CWLL Chairperson.
Local State Member of Parliament Philip Donato was there to recognise the support of the Parliamentary Friends of Landcare and participated with the students in activities. Philip was joined by Cr Bill Jayet from Parkes Shire Council and Cr Jeff Nicholson from Forbes Shire Council.