The creation of a butterfly garden at St Joseph’s Parish School Condobolin is one of the projects funded through this year’s Central West Local Land Services Resilient Communities Small Grants program.

The project will aim to educate students about sustainable natural environments, whilst providing the excitement of a hands-on learning experience.

Running for the last three years this year saw community group projects funded in Condobolin, Dubbo, Quambone, Caragabal, Greenthorpe, Forbes and Quandialla.

Central West Local Land Services Community Engagement Officer Brooke Kirkman said the grants were funded by Catchment Action NSW and targeted projects with a natural resource or cultural heritage focus that improve community resilience.

“Our resilient communities small grants are aimed at supporting community groups across the Central West region to fund projects that support both resilience within the community and natural resource management,” she explained.

“Saint Joseph’s Public School Butterfly Garden project aims to involve year three students in learning about the benefit of creating and maintaining a native garden to encourage insect and butterfly populations.

“Students inspected the site, learnt about native plant species and created a birds eye view design.

“Through the project the students gained insights into recognising existing local plant species and incorporating aspects such as climate, available resources, ecosystem benefits and ongoing maintenance into their final design.”

The school’s parents and friends committee will work with students, staff, youth ministry group and seek to create a community garden group to design, construct and maintain the garden.

“This is a great project that will encourage leadership, initiative and motivation to create a garden which will showcase the importance managing natural resources through learning and community involvement.” Ms Kirkman stated.

The $3,568 grant will help educate students about native plants and how to best care for their environment, according to NSW Upper House MP, Sam Farraway.

“Saint Joseph’s Public School Butterfly Garden project aims to involve Year 3 students in learning about the benefit of creating and maintaining a native garden to encourage insect and butterfly populations,” he said.

“What a fantastic opportunity for these youngsters, to design and build a butterfly garden within school grounds but open to the general public, leaving a lasting legacy in their community.

“Students inspected the site, learnt about native plant species and created a bird’s-eye view design.

“They’ll need to maintain and water the native garden during their time at school to encourage leadership, initiative and motivation, and help to create a sense of belonging within the local community.”

Central West Local Land Services is planning to run the Resilient Communities Small Grants program again this year.