The schools received a box of goodies including a dozen pairs of Olympus binoculars, field guides to Australian birds and to birds of the Cessnock area. Individual students received a certificate for their poster and some bird books. Everyone was very happy with their prizes.
The poster competition was the culmination of a schools program in Cessnock LGA, funded by Hunter LLS and delivered by Hunter Region Landcare Network, aimed at increasing awareness of the critically-endangered Regent Honeyeater and its woodland habitat.
Participating schools were provided with resources for lessons and activities to help students learn about their local bushland and the plight of the Regent Honeyeater, prior to commencing their posters.
Other aspects of the program were Woodland Wander and Bushland Birding for Beginners excursions, school visits delivering basic bird watching information, sending books on the Regent Honeyeater to each of the 21 schools in the Cessnock LGA. Cessnock and Kurri libraries each received Birding Backpacks containing binoculars and field guides.
Many thanks to Meg Bruce, Project Officer with Hunter Region Landcare Network, who worked so creatively on this program since the easing of Covid restrictions.