Hundreds of primary students from 21 schools on the Northern Beaches will take part in a special Council program celebrating the United Nations’ World Environment Day on Monday June 5.
Northern Beaches Council General Manager Environment & Infrastructure Ben Taylor said around 1800 children will benefit from the talks and excursions inspired by the UNs’ 2017 theme ‘Connecting People to Nature’.
“In this digital age reconnecting with nature is so important for our children for numerous reasons, including physical and mental wellbeing.
“It is vital that we develop the next generation of environmental custodians,” Mr Taylor said.
The program kicks off a month of family-friendly World Environment Day events, including a human powered disco at YOYO’s Youth Centre, whale talks at Manly, Dee Why and Glen Street Libraries as well as Ruby Lane in Manly, plus Whale Census Day at Long Reef and Bilgola Headlands.
“What better way to connect with the majesty of these revered creatures than from one of the prime vantage points right here on the Northern Beaches,” Mr Taylor said.
Whale research and rescue group ORRCA estimates a record number of whales, more than 30,000, will trace the east coast in 2017 as they move north to mate or give birth.
Marine expert Dr Michelle Blewitt will lead the ORRCA survey on Sunday 25 June, which plays a vital role in recording whale population data.
Photo Opportunity: A photo opportunity with students from Dee Why Public School at Long Reef can be arranged on request
WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY EVENTS
1. All about Whales
Manly and Dee Why Libraries will be hosting interactive sessions for children to spark their imaginations and help them develop a love for nature and wildlife. All About Whales Story Time will be held at Manly Library on Tuesday 6 June from 10.30-11.30am and Dee Why Library on Wednesday 7 June from 10.15-10.45am.
2. Whale and Beach Monitoring Talk
Prior to Whale Census Day, Dr Michelle Blewitt will hold a Whale and Beach Monitoring Talk where you can learn more about humpback whale migration and other charismatic megafauna. Bookings are essential for the talks at Manly Library on Wednesday 7 June from 10.30-11.45am and Glen Street Library Thursday 8 June from 11-12.15pm.
3. Human Powered Disco
Children aged between 10 and 13 years can jump on a bike and race their mates to see who can generate more electricity for the sound system at the Human Powered Disco. Entry is $5 for the supervised event at YOYOS Youth Centre at Frenchs Forest on Friday 9 June from 6.30-9pm. For enquiries phone 9942 2401 or email youth@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au.
4. Whale Tales & Dinner
Health food mecca Ruby Lane in Manly will be devoting a special evening to the giants of the deep, with dinner and discussions with marine experts on Thursday 22 June from 6.30 to 9pm. Ages 18+. The event costs $10 and bookings can be made at whatson.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au, by phoning 1300 000 232 or via cec@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au.
5. Whale Census Day
Bookings for the ORRCA Whale Census on Sunday 25 June are essential and can be made by phoning 1300 000 232, via whatson.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au or cec@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au.