Students out & about

The region’s national parks become the classroom

The ‘March in May’ is an annual event for local students to learn about the Canunda National Park, to enjoy a day in the bush by walking an 8.5km trail with educational stops along the way covering different topics of interest. The day, which has become a regular feature, started 20 years ago, and is an initiative of the Canunda and Beachport Friends of Parks Group.

It is run in partnership with staff from the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Limestone Coast Landscape Board, with support from Indigenous elders and bird specialists.

This year six groups of primary students from Millicent, Naracoorte, Kangaroo Inn, and Mt Gambier were involved along with a group from the region’s Home School network.

President of the Friends Group Michael Bleby said although there was fog and light drizzle at the start of the day, the weather improved and it developed into good walking conditions with sunny breaks.

“The students learnt about local pioneer history at the Coola Outstation, Indigenous culture at a further stop, aquatic bird life on the shores of Lake Bonney and pest plants in Parks at another location in the park,” he said.

A welcome refreshment stop is provided at the halfway point, and the Friends of Parks volunteers manage traffic and checkpoints, marshal buses, and provide admin along with support at the various stops along the walk.

Assistance to conduct the day is also received from the Wattle Range Council and local Millicent supermarkets who donate refreshments for the participants.

The event brings the out-ofdoors to the class room with environmental education, a touch of fitness and a good dose of fresh air.