A Word from the SAF (August 2024)
I’m thrilled to share some exciting news about a group of school students from Hay and their incredible efforts to protect the Plains-wanderer.
This elusive bird, a true icon of our vast plains, is facing an uphill battle for survival. That’s why students from St Mary’s Primary School, Hay Public School, and their Year 10 me
ntors from Hay War Memorial High School dedicated the last six months to raising awareness about this endangered species.
Their journey began with a hands-on habitat day at Gayini, west of Maude, where they delved into the critical practices that safeguard the Plains-wanderer’s habitat. They learned about the importance of fox baiting to control predators, maintaining a suitable environment, Aboriginal land management and implementing regenerative planting techniques to restore native vegetation. The students even met “Molly,” a scent detection dog who plays a vital role in the Plains-wanderer tracking program by following their scent during captive breeding and release efforts.
The students then embarked on an unforgettable excursion to Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo. The students camped amidst the sights and sounds of the zoo, learning about the threats facing the Plains-wanderer and brainstorming creative ways to protect them from predators, especially domestic cats.
Back in Hay, the students put their newfound knowledge into action. They designed “catios,” safe enclosures to keep pet cats entertained while protecting native wildlife.
They also created a vibrant and informative magazine, brimming with stories, poems, and activities to educate and inspire the community about the Plains-wanderer. You can download a low-re copy of their magazine here.
The program culminated in an expo, where the students proudly showcased their magazine and catio designs, and shared their passion for the Plains-wanderer.
I’m incredibly proud of these young conservationists and the dedication they’ve shown to protecting our unique natural heritage. Their efforts remind us that, together, we can make a difference for the Plains-wanderer and ensure this remarkable bird continues to grace our plains for generations to come.
A special thank you to all the partners who made this program possible, including Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Hay Landcare, the Nari Nari Tribal Council and Byware. Your support is invaluable in nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards.
This article was written by Jade Auldist. Jade is the Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator for the Riverina region. Her role supports farmers, industry and community groups (including Landcare Groups) to adopt new and innovative sustainable agriculture practices.
For further information on this article, please contact Jade at jade.auldist@lls.nsw.gov.au.
