Bobin Public School students had a special visitor on Wednesday, March 11 - a young male Manning River Turtle.
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The visit came as the Bobin students have requested to learn more about our unique local environment, with a focus on endangered species, since the fires.
Students were treated to a presentation by Clare Rourke of the Manning River Turtle Conservation Group, Brenton Asquith of Reptile Dysfunction, and Andrew Steed of the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, and were able to examine the unique features of the Manning River Turtle up close.
"There is no better way to launch a science program than this. Students were able to talk to ecologists, hear about their work in our local creeks and see a young male Manning River turtle up close," said relieving principal Sarah Parker.
"It was a very valuable experience for us all."
The young male turtle, whom the students affectionately named 'Bob', had been found in the upper reaches of the Manning River just before Christmas in a rescue mission by conservation organisation, Aussie Ark. Bob was very ill and lethargic, and Aussie Ark handed him over to Brenton Asquith for rehabilitation prior to release back to the wild. With some TLC Bob is making a good recovery.
After the presentation, students enjoyed painting their own plaster turtle.
"Our students have a heightened awareness of how fragile our natural environment is now, and they want to do all they can to help," Sarah said.
Julia Driscoll
Julia Driscoll has worked as a journalist for the Wingham Chronicle and Manning River Times for seven years. She values the deep connection with community that being a rural and regional journalist brings. Career highlights have involved environmental stories - bringing the plight of the little known endangered Manning River helmeted turtle to the attention of the public, resulting in wide-spread knowledge in the community and conservation action; and breaking the news of the Manning River ceasing to run for the first time in recorded history.
Julia Driscoll has worked as a journalist for the Wingham Chronicle and Manning River Times for seven years. She values the deep connection with community that being a rural and regional journalist brings. Career highlights have involved environmental stories - bringing the plight of the little known endangered Manning River helmeted turtle to the attention of the public, resulting in wide-spread knowledge in the community and conservation action; and breaking the news of the Manning River ceasing to run for the first time in recorded history.
