Eco kids get water wise in Melbourne schools
Since 2003, kids in Greater Melbourne schools have been getting their hands dirty (and wet!) through activities like water testing, water bug surveys and restoring river banks, thanks to funding from the Junior Landcare Grants program.
The $50,000 Melbourne Water Young Watercare Grants program allocates grants of up to $5,000 to schools and youth groups in the greater Port Phillip and Westernport region, and can be used to fund river health care and water saving projects.
Junior Landcare representative Sheena Martin said kids were more conscious of the environment than ever before.
“Our research shows that over 90% of kids want to be involved practical landcare projects at school, which says great things about the next generation of landcarers.
“The support of Melbourne Water has made a huge difference at a grassroots level, and The Young Watercare Grants have allowed kids to get outside and do something practical to help the environment.”
Schools can use the funds to restore or maintain waterways in their local area through activities like water testing, reducing litter, water bug surveys, tree planting or protecting native flora and fauna.
Melbourne Water’s General Manager of Waterways, Chris Chesterfield, said as managers of Melbourne’s water supply and caretakers of more than 8400 kilometres of waterways, Melbourne Water recognised the valuable contribution that schools made in water conservation and protecting the health of waterways.
“It’s great to see young generations develop a passion for saving water and looking after our waterways,” said Mr Chesterfield.
“These grants help give them the resources to continue their fantastic work, learn new skills and build their knowledge of our waterways and the need to save water.”
Junior Landcare is an initiative of Landcare Australia that gets kids actively involved in their environment and encourages them to develop environmentally sustainable habits from a young age. It teaches kids about sustainability and restoration in a fun and hands-on learning environment, and is a great way to get them connecting with and learning about nature, as well as encouraging them to get outdoors.
The Melbourne Water Young Watercare Grants are awarded annually, with applications closing on 23rd October 2009.
To read more information on how to apply click here
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