Nature discovery continues to be a popular theme in the City of Cockburn with 250 locals, parents and children turning out for a Nature Discovery Day in South Lake.
It follows the City’s inaugural Nature Discovery Day at Yangebup Lake last July, with another planned for Hammond Park this
September during Biodiversity Month.
The July event at Bolderwood Reserve and Bloodwood Park continued the City’s Sustainability and Climate Change Team’s efforts to meet a community need to interact with and better understand their local nature areas.
“These events help locals discover the City’s many nature reserves and bushland areas, and their diverse flora and fauna,” said City of Cockburn Environmental Education Officer Rafeena Boyle.
City of Cockburn Mayor Logan Howlett said the municipality boasted many natural areas in very good condition and more than 80 reserves.
“Feedback from participants shows us that people do want a reason to get up close and personal with Cockburn’s incredible natural environment,” Mayor Howlett said.
“We are happy to facilitate these learning opportunities and work with our First Nations community in passing on the traditional knowledge and culture of our local bushland areas,” Mayor Howlett said.
Popular elements of the events include a Nature Storytime Trek, an eco art activity and a Boodjar Biddi (bush track) guided walk offering insights into local Nyungar culture and stories.
At South Lake, 36 volunteers also planted 120 seedings as part of the City’s ongoing bush regeneration program, and enjoyed a sausage sizzle prepared by the local resident group Connecting South Lake.
Feedback from one participant, a mum of two young children, capped off the day.
“It’s rare to find community events with low barriers to entry - having everything free and accessible meant there was lots of diversity, and most importantly lots of fun,” she said.
“It was exactly what community events should be about - warm, easy, accessible and joyful, thank you for organising!"