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Project Details
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‘Conservation Through Education’
Purpose
The purpose of Baldivis Children's Forest is:
- To provide educational
opportunities for children and the wider community which promote
biodiversity, conservation, sustainability, and Aboriginal cultural values
and perspectives at Baldivis Children's Forest;
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To promote the formal management, conservation and rehabilitation of
flora, fauna and fungi of Baldivis Children's Forest, in order to sustain
the biodiversity and ecological values of the area;
- To
promote the use of Baldivis Children's Forest for passive recreation;
- To
promote and carry out activities that contribute to the implementation of
strategies detailed in the Baldivis Children's Forest Management Plan
(2005-2010);
- To
foster partnerships between children, community, industry, educational
institutions and all levels of government.
- To
inspire visitors and participants towards a lifelong commitment to
"Conservation Through Education"
Project
Description
Baldivis Children’s Forest (BCF) Inc is a not-for-profit group that assists
children in the management of the 49 acre Baldivis Children's Forest reserve. The group carries out
on-ground conservation activities and educational programs for schools and
the community. Our school activity days are predominately in term 2
involving approximately 15 schools/1200 students. These activities involve
children at all levels – from on-ground site works to managerial and
promotional/media aspects. Our work focuses on the following areas:
1. Conservation
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Bush revegetation and rehabilitation (commenced in 2000 with approximately
22,000 seedlings planted to date); |
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weed
control and monitoring; |
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fauna
conservation (nest boxes); and |
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plant,
animal and fungi surveys. |
2. Education
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Schools activity days are held in terms 2 to 4. Activities are dependent
upon what schools book and pay for. In 2008 activities included; planting,
weeding, irrigation, soils of the Swan Coastal Plain, weed and flora
surveys, plant identification, bird survey, bat survey, fungi survey,
wetlands, frogs, macro-invertebrates, fauna trapping, orienteering, GPS
mapping, Aboriginal culture, art, sculpture and clay. |
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Community workshops are help as funding allows and in 2008 included;
nocturnal night stalks, bird survey, Aboriginal culture, sculpture
workshops, lunchtime music concert. |
3. Aboriginal
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Nyoongar culture (terms 2 & 3) includes guided walks, bush tucker, sharing
stories, construction of the bush tucker walk trail (2006), construction
of a mia and cultural trail (2007 onwards). |
4. Community
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The BCF project links with many volunteers, interest groups, business,
industry, local council, educators, universities and local Aboriginal
Elders. |
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This project was initiated by children that wanted to make a positive
difference in their rapidly changing world as surrounding farmland gives
way to urban housing. This passion by new generations of children
continues, and demonstrates that ‘kids can make a difference’. |
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The sustainability of this project is due to the many and varied
partnerships that have been (and are continuing to be) developed. |
5. Economic
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BCF Inc is sponsored by industry and business groups such as BHP Billiton
Nickel West, Synergy, local developers, successful grant applications and
smaller financial and in-kind contributions by groups such as Baldivis
Volunteer Fire Brigade, Baldivis Community Association, Birds Australia
and Peel Landcare. |
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Children are very much involved in liaising with their community partners
– giving presentations, talks, theatre and of course all practical aspects
of the BCF project. |
Team (Cast & Crew)
Location
Baldivis Children’s Forest
1399 Mandurah Road
Baldivis, Western Australia 6171
Postal
Baldivis Children’s Forest Inc.
C/- Baldivis Primary School
214 Fifty Road
Baldivis, Western Australia 6171
Phone: (08) 9524 1150
Fax: (08) 9524 1143
(Please note the above numbers are only available during
WA school terms)
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