Five more schools have embraced the “Walking the Seasons” program this year, following its pilot introduction into Grant High School in 2022.
“Walking the Seasons” was inspired by the region’s First Nations seasonal calendar.
“The program aims to help the Limestone Coast community connect with country and culture across the landscape by observing and recording flora and fauna as young citizen scientists.
In 2023 the program has been rolled out to other schools in the region with five schools coming on board and undertaking the program as part of their curriculum.
Landscape Education Coordinator Vanessa Freebairn said the Limestone Coast Landscape Board had developed a range of resources for the program and can provide on country support for excursions through their Landscape Education team.
“It is great to see primary and secondary schools showing such a keen interest in the educational program,” she said.
“The Limestone Coast Landscape Board are passionate about First Nation’s nature education.
“Supporting educators in this space is something we are proud to be involved in.”
Ms Freebairn said schools involved in the program have the opportunity to learn from local First Nations Elders about the significance of the seasons and how indigenous people moved across the landscape using resources of the land.
“Students have visited Honan’s Forestry Reserve, Canunda National Park and Naracoorte Nature Parks as part of their experiences on Country,” she said.
“Being outside the classroom exploring and recording observations in the local landscape provides hands on learning.”
First Nations Partnership Coordinator David New was full of praise for the program.
“The program has produced some really positive results working collaboratively with Burrandies Aboriginal Corporation in facilitating First Nations elders for these sessions,” he said.
“Thank you to Elders Uncle Doug Nicholls and Aunty Michelle Jacqueline-Furr for sharing their knowledge with the students through the program.”
Email lclandscapeeducation@sa.gov.au or check out the website www.landscape.sa.gov.au/lc if you would like more information about the Walking the Seasons program.
