|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Hunua’s Y Camp Adair has received recognition for an environmental education programme, winning the the Te Tohu – Tiakina Taiao Environmental Leadership Award at the recent Outdoors Awards.
The programme, Nature’s Classroom, is focused on river restoration and environmental stewardship in the Hunua Ranges. It is an example of a commitment to meaningful learning experiences, the camp’s CEO Rebecca Russell says.
“This award is fantastic recognition of the work of so many – our students, volunteers and partners. We are feeling very proud,” she says. “Nature’s Classroom is about giving young people hands-on experiences that deepen their connection to community and environment, while building understanding of what it means to be kaitiaki [guardian or trustee].”
Hosted by Recreation Aotearoa, the awards recognise outstanding work across Aotearoa’s outdoor sector.
Developed in partnership with Counties Energy, Nature’s Classroom engaged eight schools and more than 200 students in freshwater testing, native planting and species identification.
The schools planted eco-sourced native plants, contributing to the restoration of the Te Wairoa River catchment. An on-site native plant nursery provided seedlings.
The programme works within the wider Wairoa River Restoration Project, which focuses on improving waterway health through riparian planting, biodiversity enhancement, tackling invasive species, runoff and sedimentation.
The award means a lot, ecologist and Camp Adair’s river restoration manager, Madeline Young says.
“During its first year, the response to Nature’s Classroom has been incredible. The pilot was fully booked and the level of enthusiasm has only continued to grow,” she says. “It has been incredibly rewarding to see students and teachers get involved and know they are contributing to a project that will benefit the community for generations to come.”
Founded by George Adair, the camp’s site includes accommodation and offers such outdoor activities as archery, hiking, kayaking and raft building. Nature’s Classroom builds on this legacy, enabling students to contribute to the area’s restoration.
