Junior park rangers proudly display their certificates with education co-ordinator Kimberley Clayton on celebration day.
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Students from four local schools have recently completed the semester one Junior Park Rangers Program at Kyabram Fauna Park.
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The unique, project-based learning experience connects young people with animals, nature and real-world environmental education.
Facilitated by Kyabram Fauna Park in partnership with Campaspe Cohuna LLEN project officer Cath Elms, the 10-week program ran across two days each week during terms one and two.
On Mondays, students from Echuca Twin Rivers Specialist School and Kyabram P-12 College took part, while on Wednesdays, Rochester Primary School and Rochester Secondary College students attended, both schools joining the program for the first time.
The program is student-centred and project-based, with students based in the park’s education centre while regularly heading into the park to engage with zookeepers, observe animal behaviours and learn about the care and welfare of native species.
Projects were designed to promote hands-on learning, encouraging students to research, brainstorm ideas and implement practical solutions that benefit the animals and their environments.
Students create enrichment toys from pine cones and fruit pieces to place in the aviary.
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Throughout the term, students developed valuable skills such as responsibility, teamwork, problem-solving and environmental stewardship.
A highlight of the program was the creation of a vegetable garden, designed, planted and maintained by the students.
Crowd favourite ‘Naughty’ providing comic relief for junior park rangers.
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This hands-on project encouraged collaboration and planning, while reinforcing the importance of sustainability and food systems within an environmental setting.
The garden not only supports the park’s animals but also provides a lasting legacy of the students’ contribution to the space.
Thanks to strong collaboration between Campaspe Cohuna LLEN and Kyabram Fauna Park, the program continues to thrive — helping students of all abilities discover new strengths and passions in a truly immersive setting.
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