Tuesday 28 August 2017

Kimbolton School students present at national biosecurity conference

Seven students from Kimbolton School recently impressed over 200 delegates attending the New Zealand Biosecurity Institute’s Annual National Education and Training Seminar (NETS) in Wellington when they presented the results of their five year weedbusting project.

The project idea grew from the school-wide weed control programme at Kimbolton Reserve. Realising their concerted efforts to keep the reserve free from weeds, Horizons Regional Council environmental officer Neil Gallagher has been mentoring the Enviroschool’s project which looks at what happens to the native bush when Tradescantia (weeds such as wandering willie, wandering jew), are removed.

Kimbolton School teacher Heidi Morton says the students set up plots in Manawatu District Council’s Kimbolton Reserve, with some plots kept free of weeds and others left untouched to serve as control plots.

“Students then visited the plots up to four times a year to collect data such as how long it takes to weed the plot, to identify the native trees growing and to measure the height of the natives,” says Mrs Morton.

“The project has provided the students with meaningful hands-on science; including investigating and analysing results, drawing conclusions, and researching to further develop understanding.

“With the support of Neil from Horizons our students have been immersed into a practical world of discovery in their own backyard, and have grown a culture of sustainable practice in a collaborative manner.

"Our trip to present at the NETS 2017 Conference was both an honour and an opportunity for our school to showcase our work and share the importance of grass roots projects where experimental learning in a real-life context is second to none.

“We have been an Enviroschool for over 13 years, and the relationship we have built with Horizons’ staff has provided valuable learning experiences for our students,” says Mrs Morton.

Mr Gallagher says he’s incredibly proud to be part of such a dedicated group of young people who have taken ownership of their project and are achieving some great results.

“In plots that have been weeded there has been an increase in new native tree species and a decrease in the percentage weed cover overall in all monitored plots. The time taken to weed each plot has also decreased over time, with the students learning that weed control is a long term activity.

“The project is a great example of what can be achieved when the community and regional council work together.”

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