Almost 130 school children from Beechworth primary schools attended a Schools Environmental Education Day as part of Arbor week this week(May 18) at Lake Sambell and had a tree-rific time.

Indigo Shire Council Operations Manager Mr David Runnalls said the activities were part of Arbor week, which is one week in the year that celebrates trees and forests in the landscape.

He said the students had a fun and educational day in Beechworth participating in activities organised by Indigo Shire Council and the North East Catchment Management Authority. 

“This event aims to be a fun, hands-on day that will focus on four main themes, Our Water, Our Waste, Our Atmosphere and Our Biodiversity,” he said.

“The day, funded by the Natural Resources Conservation League even included a star performance by environmental performance group, Vox Bandicoot.

“Children were able to learn more about their environment and see first hand how important conservation work is through the planting of trees and ensuring the waterways are kept pollution free.

“The messages about Arbor week are not just for the students were attended the fun day and everyone can do their bit to help celebrate our natural environment.”

Originally initiated to promote replanting following deforestation, Arbor Week began this year on Monday May 15^th. 

There are many things that you, too, can do to help celebrate.

Things to do:

• Build a mini-greenhouse to grow and propagate indigenous plants from seed
• Grow indigenous trees and shrubs from seed to plant in your yard, school area or a local community area
• Build bird-feeders and nesting boxes
• Try to make paper from tree materials, or even try your hand at recycling paper.
• Make a toy or musical instrument from tree products, like fallen and dried seed cases, branches, or limbs
• Write poems, songs, music, plays and stories about trees