This semester senior students have worked with the University of Canberra Environmental Studies students on an environmental studies program and activities.

As culmination to this program, Yass Public celebrated National Schools Tree Day early. Last Friday all students and staff, assisted by willing parents and University students, planted trees and shrubs in a native garden area. The trees were designed to attract an abundance of native bird species including superb fairy wrens and yellow-rumped thornbills.

“The project has engaged the support of the local community, Yass Landcare has donated several hundred plants, specially grown for community use, and Greening Australia has volunteered essential advice and help planting the garden,” said University of Canberra student Mark Sweaney.

“The new native garden will provide educational opportunities for students as well as attracting native birds and animals to the school grounds,” he said.

Four University of Canberra environmental science students, supervised by Dr Margi Böhm, are working on several projects with the school including the native garden, providing weekly environmental science lessons for years 5 and 6, and helping the school use water more wisely.

Yass Public School students developed an appreciation of what it takes to make a difference and how their actions influence overall sustainability of the school. Students identified that 92 per cent of water used by the school came from flushing toilets, washing hands and drinking from bubblers.

“To the horror of students and staff, old fashioned pull-flush toilets accounted for most water usage,” Mr Sweaney said, adding that dual flush toilets would reduce water consumption by 80 per cent.

Yass Landcare donated 300 native plants, many endemic to the region. Mr Sweaney developed a plant species plan to attract small birds that are being pushed out of urban areas because of habitat destruction.