They came, they soared, they warbled!

The inaugural Sapphire Coast Learning Community Bournda Bird Olympics was held on Thursday 27th July 2017. It was a fantastic day and the students from Tathra, Towamba, Tanja and Wolumla Public Schools were fine representatives for their school communities. Check out this wonderful video made by Vanessa Milton from ABC Open. EVERY student had a […]


BOURNDA EEC FUTURE LEADERS ENVIRONMENT AWARD 2020

Jade Mudge of Ulladulla High School is the winner of the 2020 Bournda EEC Future Leaders Environment Award. Bournda Environmental Education Centre Principal, Doug Reckord, at the Ulladulla High School Leadership Investiture Ceremony on Thursday 13th August, described Jade’s submission for the award as, “outstanding, demonstrating a strong commitment to the environment and community service”, […]


World Environment Day Dinner 2020

Young ecologist, photographer, film-maker and all round good-guy, Harrison Warne gave us a drone. He had a name for it which we have forgotten so it is now called “Harrison”. This was Harrison’s first Bournda EEC flight, with Flight Captain Phil Lord at the controls, and under the watchful eye of NPWS Ranger Grant Brewer. […]


Wallagoot Lake Shoreline Update January 30 2020

In 2009, 2010 and November 2019 we mapped the shoreline of Wallagoot Lake at Scotts Bay. The lake level has continued to fall and we recently did another walk in the mud with the GPS. You can check out the results on this Google Map. Click on the map to zoom in on Wallagoot Lake. […]


Climate Change Preparedness

MORE ON CLIMATE CHANGE PREPAREDNESS RESOURCES The Climate Change Preparedness Resource was developed by Julie-Ann Sheridan and Gaye Braiding, on behalf of the Environmental and Zoo Education Centres NSW through funding from the Office of Environment and Heritage which has been taken over by Department of Planning, Industry and Environment . This is an excellent […]


Wallagoot Lake Shoreline

In 2009 we mapped the shoreline of Wallagoot Lake at Scotts Bay. In 2010 as the drought worsened, we did it again. The recent dry conditions have seen the lake level drop so we got the trusty Garmin 78S GPS out and squished around in the mud to repeat the experiment. You can check out […]


Bega Valley PS Stage 2 Camp

Yes it is windy but no severe weather alert for our part of the coast so we are going ahead as planned.  The Hobart Beach Shelter Shed is the central point for our activities and it provides shelter from the westerlies. Putting up tents will be a challenge but there will be plenty of support […]


CDAT Camp – change in pick up time to 12:00pm

The  Fire Danger Rating (FDR) for the Far South Coast is changing from today’s HIGH  to VERY HIGH tomorrow (Friday, 24/10/19) with strengthening warm to hot north to north-westerly winds ahead of a cold front. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecast for Merimbula  for Friday shows a maximum of 31 deg C with light winds […]


Merimbula PS Stage 2 History program

Very sad to have to postpone the day tomorrow due to the Severe Weather Alert for damaging winds.  It is predicted to be windier than today and the conditions are forecast to be unpleasantly cold and dangerous around trees.  So we will regroup to organise another day.  As always thank you to the MPS staff […]


World Environment Day action

World Environment Day is the United Nations Environment Program’s (UNEP) most important day for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the protection of our environment. Since it began in 1974, it has grown to become a global platform for public outreach that is widely celebrated in over 100 countries.  Stage 2 and Stage 3 students […]


Dr Ceridwen Fraser chats with About Regional

A wonderful chat between Dr Ceridwen Fraser, Associate Professor at University of Otago, and Ian Campbell from About Regional.  Dr Fraser talks about her experiences embarking on a career in science and touches on issues affecting women in science.  A small crew of students from Bega High School were there with others joining the webinar […]


Holiday fun that will last a LIFETIME!

Looking for something to do with the family this school holiday/Easter break?  Something that will keep the kids and you occupied for a ……LIFETIME! Then go ahead and download a copy of the Bournda EEC/Atlas of Life multi-touch book, “Exploring and Mapping our Living World – with the Atlas of Life and NatureMapr”. Created by […]


Eden PS Dinosaurs

EDEN PS PROGRAM AT BOURNDA Monday 25th March There could be a bit of rain around but we are hoping it will hold off till this afternoon. If students have a raincoat or umbrella that will help. It will be quite warm so don’t forget the hat, sunscreen and water bottle!  See you at Bournda! […]


FREE AAEE NSW SUSTAINABILITY EDUCATION WORKSHOP

Planning a best practice project and introducing “Take Me Outside” Tuesday 19 February 2019– Bournda Environmental Education Centre, Sapphire Coast This workshop is essential for anyone working on sustainability education projects or engaging with the community on environmental issues. Learn the steps to planning a best practice Sustainability Education and Engagement project and discover how […]


Ever wondered how wombats make cubic poo?

Revealed! The secret to wombats’ cube poo


Life Ready at Bournda EEC

LIFE READY A big thank you to the Bega High School PEHEPD staff and Year 10 students for the last two days of Life Ready activities at Bournda. The BHS school community has been through a terrible week but the students turned up ready to participate and showed a very resilient attitude.


Birds of a Feather – Best Practice Case Study

BIRDS OF A FEATHER – BEST PRACTICE CASE STUDY Bournda EEC has finalised the Australian Association for Environmental Education, NSW Chapter Leadership for Sustainability Program and recently completed our Birds of a Feather project with other Sapphire Coast Regional Science Hub members. The Science Hub also acts as a Regional Sustainability Educators Network (RSEN), collaborating […]


STEMShare Legends!

Today at Bournda EEC’s “Science in the Lab” Creative and Talented workshop, students from Merimbula PS, Wolumla PS and Eden PS took the lab outdoors! Using the 360 degree camera from the NSW Department of Education STEMShare Primary Virtual Reality kit, the students created some images which can be viewed using VR goggles.  They also […]


Saving our Shorebirds

As a National #ScienceWeek special feature, check out our new iBook, Saving our Shorebirds This Multi-Touch Book has been created by Jules Donne, Bournda EEC in collaboration with Amy Harris, South Coast Shorebird Recovery Program, National Parks and Wildlife Service. This iBook has been produced to highlight the incredible life cycle of threatened shorebirds that […]


The Call of the Wild!




Birds of a feather!

Last week Bournda EEC staff assisted Tathra Public School staff and students with another stage of the Birds of a Feather project.  The students used a motion sensing camera and bird bath to check out what birds are visiting the school; they have also uploaded their sightings to The Atlas of Life using NatureMapr software.  […]


Eden Marine High School’s Future Leaders Environment Award Winner!

Each year we have the pleasure of finding a Bournda EEC Future Leaders Environment Award winner, made possible through the generous support of Dr Helen Sykes and Future Leaders  This year’s winner is Morgan Chapple of Eden Marine High School. With the support of Careers Adviser Michelle Bond, Morgan provided an excellent submission which linked her career aspirations […]


Happy NAIDOC Week!

Last week local schools had a wonderful opportunity to celebrate NAIDOC with the Eden Aboriginal Community at Jigamy Farm! Over 430 students attended over 3 days and teacher and students loved the activities. The students were able to connect with the NAIDOC theme while eating johnny cakes, learning about yams, seed grinding and looking at […]


Waste Warriors Work When Weather’s Wet!

Tomorrow our second Stage 2, Waste Warriors program is ON! The weather looks a bit foul but the fun thing about making worm farms and bees wax wrap is that you can keep dry while you are doing it!  We will get outside when we can but it will be definitely on tomorrow. See you […]


Bournda Expedition – Stage 3 -It’s on today!

It will be windy but our part of the coast is not affected by the severe weather warning. So we’ll look forward to seeing our Bournda explorers today!!


TrailRider outing in Bournda National Park

Kony and his Tulgeen carer Paul, came out to Bournda National Park to take the Bournda EEC TrailRider All Terrain Wheelchair for a spin! From the smiles on Kony’s face, and the positive feedback from his carer and family, it’s clear he enjoyed the experience.  He’s going to come back for a weekly visit and […]


Another successful Zoomobile tour!

The Bournda Taronga Zoomobile Tour has finished for another year!  Since 2004 we have had an annual visit in the Bega Valley and the local schools love the opportunity for a close-up look at some of the Zoo guests. Bournda EEC ran a School Biodiversity activity as our contribution to the tour.  Students looked at […]


2018 NSW Environmental Trust Eco Schools Grants

In 2018, 80 Eco Schools grants of $3,500 each will be offered for student focused environmental management projects, including water and energy conservation, recycling, bush regeneration, habitat improvement and food gardens. Information about how to apply for this year’s grants will be available on the Trust’s website at http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/grants/schools.htm Applications close 3pm, Monday 18 June […]


Severe Weather Warning for Damaging Winds – UPDATE

At 4:28am this morning, the Severe Weather Warning was reissued so unfortunately we will have to postpone the Stage 3 Bournda Expedition scheduled for today (Friday 11th May, 2018). We will contact the organising teachers at Bega Valley PS, Pambula PS, Eden PS and Quaama PS to find an alternative date. Take care and hopefully it won’t […]


Severe Weather Warning for Damaging Winds – Friday 11th May

Issued at 9:14pm tonight, this Severe Weather Warning unfortunately means that we will probably have to postpone the Stage 3 Bournda Expedition scheduled for tomorrow (Friday 11th May, 2018). We’ll post an update at about 5:30am and if the Severe Weather Warning is still in place, we will contact the organising teachers at Bega Valley […]


Today’s schools – creating tomorrow’s world

GAME CHANGER CHALLENGE This year’s Education Week in August will focus on how NSW public schools are equipping young people with the skills and capabilities they need to thrive in a rapidly changing, globalised world under the theme, Today’s schools – creating tomorrow’s world. As part of this week-long celebration of public education, the department […]


Move with Nature – Bournda EEC World Environment Day Dinner 2018

Bournda Environmental Education Centre has been hosting an annual dinner to celebrate World Environment Day for the last 41 years! Our guest speaker for 2018 is Dr Helen Smith. Helen is a passionate outdoor enthusiast and will give us her personal and research-based perspectives on making outdoor experiences more accessible and inclusive, so that more […]


Sustainability Resources for Teachers

The EZEC team has been working to improve sustainability resources for teachers and have updated and expanded the Department of Education’s sustainability web pages. More resources will be added as they are created. For each sustainability topic there is the sustainability action process resource. Each of these has links to resources to support teaching and learning in the steps of the […]


Student work samples

It’s always nice to see student work on display in schools, particularly when you had something to do with it! Earlier in the term, Bournda EEC staff worked with Eden Marine High School Year 7 students on coastal hazards, with support from Kyran Crane (Coastal Management Officer) from Bega Valley Shire Council. So it was […]


CSIRO Bushfire Prediction

Predicting the Burn: Data61’s Global Bushfire expertise


Eucalypts are unique!

CSIRO news Five interesting facts about Eucalypts!  


Good on you

The Good on You site and app was mentioned in a story in the a recent ABC Science newsletter.  You might want to check it out to help make consumer decisions that help the planet!  


YOU LITTLE BEAUTY!

What an amazing little creature! A cup moth larva on the path at Bournda that looks like it should hang out on the Great Barrier Reef – what glorious colours! But don’t be fooled; this little critter has an array of poisonous spines that pop out when provoked The wonders of life are all around […]


Birds of a Feather at Pambula Public School

Bournda EEC teacher Julie Donne has been working with some very enthusiastic Stage 2 students at Pambula Public School on the Birds of a Feather project.  A collaboration between Sapphire Coast Regional Science Hub members, the project is supported by the Australian Association for Environmental Education.  There will be a full report soon, which will […]


Pambula PS visit to Bournda postponed

As the fire situation in Tathra is close by, and still active, the Centre will not be operational Monday (19th March) and Tuesday (20th March). Several of our staff live in areas affected by the fire but everyone is safe which is great news. Later today a fire did start near our Centre and it […]


Harrison’s photography hints are a hit!

Last week’s macro photography workshop at Panboola was a great success!  We had a wide range of ages and interests present and everyone came away with something to think about for the next time they took a few snaps.  Jennifer Halper was visiting Bournda National Park with students from Eden Marine High School and captured […]


Science Engagement Event Number 4 – Book Now!

This is a fantastic opportunity to work with a young scientist who really knows how to capture a great photo! Book your tickets now  


Clean Up Sapphire Coast Drive

One of our most loved tourist roads needs a clean up and Clean Up Australia Day is just around the corner. Come and help Bournda EEC and National Parks and Wildlife Service staff collect roadside litter and stop it from spoiling our beautiful National Parks, nature reserves, waterways and beaches. Check out the Clean Up Australia Day […]


Schools Clean Up Day

Schools Clean Up Day is an initiative coordinated by Clean Up Australia Ltd to allow students to participate in Clean Up Australia Day as part of a school activity. Schools are encouraged to register their own grounds or a safe and suitable alternative site with Clean Up Australia, for clean up activities on 2 March 2018. […]


Education costs cause concern

You shouldn’t have to sell the family car to send your child on a school camp. One of Bournda EECs objectives is to minimise costs to schools so that students don’t miss out on valuable outdoor experiences.  


Echidna CSI

Tracking elusive echidna populations


GoMAD Coffee Cup Cops!

Remember the Bega High School students who have taken up the challenge of cutting coffee cup waste? Here’s their fantastic GoMAD video, “THE COFFEE CUP COPS!” Hilarious and still informative! Check out the rest of the wonderful videos made by students from high schools in the Bega Valley and Eurobodalla and in other parts of NSW. […]


GoMAD…. as Hell!

We went to one of the South Coast’s most iconic beauty spots (Bournda Lagoon in Bournda National Park) and kayaked to a seldom visited location on the western shoreline.  In JUST TWO MINUTES the GoMAD (Go Make a Difference) camp participants picked up enough waste to fill a large bag.  Unfortunately the haul even included a syringe – […]


PEER SUPPORT CAMP A BIG HIT!

Last week students from local small schools made Bournda National Park their base for the annual Peer Support Camp. The camp has been run every year since 1990 and provides the Year 6 students with a great opportunity to celebrate the end of primary school. The camp was organised by Tanja PS Principal Lee-Ann Thompson, […]


GoMAD – Go Make a Difference Camp – let’s do it!!

The weather forecast is not great for Monday and Tuesday but our Waste Warriors will not let moisture dampen their  determination to fight the good fight in the War on Waste!  Our camp will proceed and the students and teachers from four participating high schools from the Bega Valley and Eurobodalla will make a difference! […]


Peer Support Camp Weather

The forecast is for “showers possible” and the rainfall maps show a break in the weather for the camp! See you there!                                 Check the Weather  


Bega High – Year 10 Crossroads – Friday Forecast

Unfortunately we are cancelling today’s Bega High School Year 10 program due to the forecast rain, with the chance of heavy rain and thunderstorms.  It is always disappointing to cancel but everyone wants more rain so we’ll be happy about that. Bournda EEC would like to thank Mrs Morgan and the Bega High School staff for […]


Weed alert!

About this time last year, local botanist Jackie Miles alerted us to the presence of the weed Coreopsis lanceolata on Sapphire Coast Drive. Jackie wrote: “This is a pushy weed (eg round Ulladulla and Jervis Bay where it runs amok on roadsides on sandy soils). There was a single local infestation round the swimming pool […]


Go MAD Bega High School!

A wonderful example of how students and teachers are taking the lead in the “War on Waste”.  Julie Donne, the Bournda EEC Canberra Region Joint Organisations (CBRJO) Waste Education Project Officer, has been working with Bega High School on a GoMAD project (Go Make a Difference) and they have really have taken their campaign to […]


TrailRider – Mission Possible!

Our mission: To get Jake from Tathra to Wallagoot Lake as part of the Bega High School Crossroads program. Our equipment: the TrailRider which Bournda EEC purchased with support from the Department of Education, Tulgeen Disability Services and Tarra Motors. Our test “pilot”: Right from the word go Jake was enthusiastic about the TrailRider. His positive attitude really […]


Tuesday Weather

The low pressure system has moved out to sea, so all systems go for the Narooma PS visit! It will be cold so rug up against the Sou’westerly wind. Looking forward to seeing keen National Park explorers here at Bournda! Check the forecast  


Weather for Tathra PS Stage 2

Forecast looks ok with rain later. We’ll look forward to seeing the Tathra Stage 2 students for a great day in the Park!    


Stage 2 – PDHPE – Challenge games

[av_one_full first min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ animation=”] [av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=” custom_class=”] Program Overview Bournda Environmental Education Centre offers a range of Challenge Games that can form a part of any day or overnight program. Challenge Games are a series of challenging activities that require team work […]


Stage 3 – PDHPE – Leadership Program

[av_one_full first min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ animation=”] [av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=” custom_class=”] Program Overview The Leadership program is designed for Stage 3 students and focuses on activities that require cooperation, team work and building positive relationships. Students work through a number of challenges and reflect […]


Stage 3 – PDHPE – Challenge Games

[av_one_full first min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ animation=”] [av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=” custom_class=”] Program Overview Bournda Environmental Education Centre offers a range of Challenge Games that can form a part of any day or overnight program. Challenge Games are a series of challenging activities that require team work […]


Wait for it!

We went to get some wood from the wood shed and this little diamond python didn’t seem too impressed at being disturbed.  


TrailRider test run!

Jake is a Year 10 student at Bega High School. Yesterday he was test pilot on the Bournda TrailRider and gave it the big thumbs up after a journey up and down stairs and across some bumpy ground!  The Year 10 students will be coming out to Bournda in November for their Crossroads program and […]


Bega Valley CDAT Leaders Camp is on!

Yes, there is rain about but it won’t deter us from having a good camp! The bush will be dampened but our spirits will not – the camp is still on!  See you at Bournda!


Stage ES1 – Geography – People live in Places

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Stage ES1 – History – Personal and Family Histories

Program Overview The Personal and Family Histories program is designed specifically for Early Stage One students. It focuses on the communication of students past and present, through stories of their own family heritage and learning about the heritage of others. The learning experiences include a bushwalk where students discover the history of Bournda National Park […]


The Jack Lynch Memorial Award comes home to roost at Tanja PS

The story of how this wonderful trophy left the Bournda nest and flew to Tanja Public School will soon be told by ABC Open and the Bega District News!  Stay tuned for further details.  


Tilba Tuesday

Looking forward to seeing Central Tilba PS at Bournda today. It will be windy but there is NO Severe Weather Warning for Damaging Winds AND we have access to the Shelter Shed at Hobart Beach. Rug up! The temperature will be low and the wind chill will make it feel colder. http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/forecasts/merimbula.shtml    


GoMAD videoconferences

Today Bournda EEC hosted video conferences with Ulladulla High School and Moruya High School to discuss progress on their GoMAD (Go Make A Difference) projects. It was great to hear the enthusiastic ideas of students on how to make a difference to waste in their schools.    


Narooma Public visit postponed

Narooma Public School Excursion to Bournda today has been postponed due to forecast winds with a severe weather warning issued by the BOM. We had some trees down and lost power yesterday. It is Very disappointing but safety comes first. http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDN21037.shtml


Sapphire Coast Science Festival Launch!

We had a great first day at the Sapphire Coast Science Festival!  Deputy Mayor Liz Seckold launched the event and over 100 people of all ages checked out what was on offer.  Local Paul Windle, at 91 ,was our oldest participant and very enthusiastic too! There were plenty of families and young people enjoying Science […]


Questacon Science on the Move in the BVCCC

The Gulaga Room – The Bega Valley’s Questacon for Science Week! Launch 1pm Saturday 12th Aug 1-3pm then 10am-3pm daily till Saturday 19th Aug #NatSciWk #scsf2017 Supported by Inspiring Australia and the NSW Government.


Get your Sapphire Coast Science Festival news

You can check here to find out the daily program and latest news from the Sapphire Coast Science Festival! To access the hyperlinked program, open the pdf version A fun filled week not to miss. Follow us on Facebook and keep in touch with #NatSciWeek and #scsf2017 hashtags  on Twitter  


Stage 2 Weather Warriors – They were the Dux of Bournda!

Thanks to Tathra Public School, Bega Valley Public School and Tanja Public School students that braved the elements and completed the Weather Warriors program today at Bournda EEC.  It was wet, wet, wet and the perfect day to have a closer look at the Water Cycle.  The students did an animation of the water cycle and […]


AAEE Conference September

Are you coming to this year’s NSW Environmental Education Conference on Wed 27- Fri 29 September in Sydney? The conference is always an amazing opportunity to network, access new resources, learn and get inspiration- it’s one big professional development opportunity!! The early bird registration ends on July 31, so now is the time to get […]


National Science Week – Future Earth

National Science Week: 12-20 August This year’s 2017 School Theme for Science Week is Future Earth, which focuses on Australia’s sustainability science. Download the Future Earth Teaching Resource Book(with some great activities!)


Marine Debris Monitoring

Are you interested in assisting with monitoring marine debris in your local area? Tangaroa Blue is working with the EPA on a container deposit monitoring project in NSW. The monitoring is happening along estuaries from Northern NSW down to Merimbula and it is planned to do four monitoring events before the container deposit scheme is […]


Bombala High School Student’s work recognised and awarded

Ana’s artwork was brought to my attention by Bob and I subsequently went to the Bombala HS awards night and present, in absentia, a Bournda EEC Environment Prize to Ana for her work which I found thoughtful and inspiring. A very aware young lady. Doug Reckord, Princpal,  Bournda Environmental Education Centre     Bombala HS […]


Our place, our future

Eden Marine High School (EMHS) Year 7 students have been participating in a new geography program looking at coastal hazards in the local area. Supported by Bega Valley Shire Council (BVSC), the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Bournda EEC, the program has been developed with EMHS Geography teachers and introduces the students to important […]


Bournda World Environment Day Dinner 2017

We were having such a good time at Bournda EEC’s 40th (yes 40th!!) World Environment Day (WED) Dinner we forgot to take photographs but luckily Chris Polglase captured some images. 110 people ventured out for the celebratory dinner at the Bega Valley Commemorative Civic Centre and reminisced on 40 years of WED dinners initiated by the inaugural Bournda […]


Severe Weather Warning

BOURNDA EEC -SEVERE WEATHER WARNING At 4:15am Tuesday 6th June, the Bureau of Meteorology issued a Severe Weather Warning for the Far South Coast. The dangerous wind, combined with cold and possibly wet conditions, make today unsuitable for outdoor activities so unfortunately we have had to postpone programs at Bournda. This includes the Pambula PS […]


Bournda EEC Future Leaders Environment Award

World Environment Day is tomorrow (5th June) and it is a great day to announce that Bournda EEC welcomes nominations from Year 12 students, who have shown strong environmental leadership and initiative, for the 2017 Bournda EEC Future Leaders Award. The award is made possible with the generous support of Dr Helen Sykes from Future Leaders […]


Bega High School test drive the Bournda TrailRider!

Bega High School staff recently held an overnight professional learning camp at Bournda. One of the activities was to develop procedures for the safe use of Bournda EEC’s new TrailRider All Terrain Wheelchair. In the picture below Mark Freedman steers while Jess Harris (Head Teacher , Special Education)  enjoys the scenery. The unnamed person at […]


Stage 2 Environmental Science – Weather Update

Who doesn’t love exploring the bush just after rain? The Stage 2 Environmental Science program will go ahead today (Wednesday 24th May). The rain should clear by mid-morning. Bring a rain-coat and get ready to explore!


Merimbula Public School Stage 1 Bournda Program – Friday 19th May

BREAKING NEWS – EXCURSION WILL GO AHEAD The rain is now showers and most likely LATE this afternoon, so all systems are GO!! —————————————— No doubt a few parents are looking at the weather forecast for tomorrow; we are too, in fact we’ve been looking all week! The forecast from the Bureau says “Very high […]


Bournda EEC World Environment Day Dinner

  “Connecting People to Nature” at the 40th Bournda EEC World Environment Day Dinner  A UN General Assembly resolution on the 15th December 1972 designated: “5 June as World Environment Day and urges Governments and the organizations in the United Nations system to undertake on that day every year world-wide activities reaffirming their concern for […]


Bournda EEC cleans up!


Octo-pursuit!

OCTO-PURSUIT! Two octopuses. One crab. The chase is on in the shallows of Wallagoot Lake. Bournda EEC teacher Luke Brown has a knack of being in the right place at the right time to show students our amazing natural world and these Stage 1 students from Tathra Public School had a treat today! Some students […]


We’ll see you out there!

CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA DAY (CUAD) Looking for some fun on Sunday? Keen to get out and about after the wonderful rain? There are plenty of sites around the Bega Valley where you can chip in to help reduce our litter problem. Council will accept material from the registered groups IF the material is in CUAD […]


Help reduce plastic pollution!

This Sunday is Clean Up Australia Day. This article explains why humans have to clean up their act.  Let’s make a difference to our beautiful environment! Our oceans need you!


Help Clean Up Australia this Sunday

Bundle of plastic washed ashore highlights issue of rubbish in ocean. This rubbish probably came from a ship but there’s plenty of litter on our roads that we can stop from entering the marine environment by simply picking up. Look what washed up on a beach    


Bournda CDAT Camp wins award!

Bournda Environmental Education Centre has been working with the Bega  Valley Community Drug Action Team (CDAT), on a camp that brings students from all four secondary schools together. Bournda EEC thanks Paul Brunton and the CDAT for their support for the program. Thanks also to the students and teachers from participating schools! http://www.begadistrictnews.com.au/story/4483277/nation-wide-interest-in-camp/    


Future Leaders Writing Prize 2017

Year 11 & 12 students send your submissions in by May 31 2017! FLWP 2017 Future Leaders Future Leaders generously sponsor the Bournda EEC Future Leaders Environment Award which will be presented at the World Environment Day Dinner, 5 June. Two Year 12 students will each win $500. The application form for this award will […]


Goanna checking out our solar panels

 


Freckled Duck sighting

A rare sighting of a Freckled Duck near Wallagoot Lake. With thanks to Max Sutcliffe, Far South Coast Birdwatchers for the photos.    


School Clean Up Day!

There is still time to register but be quick! http://y53q.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/36oqqnv2qbf.html


Heat to increase

A scientific snapshot shows Australia’s heatwaves will be hotter, last longer and occur more often. The Climate Council’s new Cranking Up The Intensity: Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events report finds that while the links between climate change and some extreme weather events such as bushfires and heatwaves are well-established, the evidence linking climate change to storms and heavy rainfall is also growing. http://www.greencareer.net.au/news/heat-to-increase-experts-say


Wednesday – Cloudy and not too hot

Just right for starting a camp! South Coast area Cloudy. Very high (90%) chance of showers in the north, medium (60%) chance elsewhere. Areas of fog about the coastal ranges. Winds northeast to southeasterly 20 to 30 km/h tending northeasterly in the morning. Daytime maximum temperatures in the low to mid 20s. http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/forecasts/merimbula.shtml


Wednesday Weather

Looks better for camping on Wednesday. A bit of rain still about but should clear. http://www.bom.gov.au/jsp/watl/rainfall/pme.jsp  


Tathra Public School Year 6 Camp postponed

Tathra Public School Year 6 Leadership Camp has been postponed due to the forecast rain. The forecast indicates more rain throughout the day. Hopefully it will bucket down – it’s needed. http://www.bom.gov.au/jsp/watl/rainfall/pme.jsp


Celebrating World Wetlands Day

Far South Coast Conservation Management Network highlights the importance of wetlands in the Bega Valley wetlands on World Wetlands Day – TODAY! http://us11.campaign-archive2.com/?u=81f00197ded750bb71cf4879c&id=9d8319e767&e=4944b60e13


Regurgitated Magpie Pellet

I was amazed to see our ‘wild un-afraid magpie’ (at home) regurgitate something up recently. I immediately went to see what it was – and as he was only about five meters from me and on the driveway – it was easy to spot. Here is a photo I took of the pellet, fresh from […]


Do our tourist roads look clean for Christmas?

For a number of years Bournda EEC staff have been collecting data on litter on Sapphire Coast Drive and other locations in the Bega Valley Shire. You can read about the findings in this roadside-litter-report. Today was the beginning of a new round of collecting and analysing roadside litter. We started on Sapphire Coast Drive, […]


GoMAD!

Bournda EEC will be supporting the GoMAD Challenge in 2017!  Check out the flyer and if you are a high school teacher in the South East who wants a great leadership opportunity for your students, get in contact with us.  


Community Litter Grants

FUNDING IS AVAILABLE FOR YOUR GROUP TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE Grants of up to $5,000 are available for community groups who are keen to tackle litter in their area and have the local knowledge to make a difference. We’re excited to offer our Community Litter Grants to volunteer groups and collectives of all just stripes, […]


My Work Experience at the Bournda EEC

Written by Liam Jolley; Year 10 Student at Bega High School I’ve had a long week at the Bournda EEC. The week started with the Light to Light walk with Karabar High Sport, Leisure and Recreation led by Doug Reckord, Bournda EEC Principal. The Light to Light walk is a hike from Boyd Tower(near Eden) […]


Gang Gang’s about

Nice to see and hear the Gang Gang Cockatoo’s  (Callocephalon fimbriatum) about the EEC this morning.


Beautiful Lycaena Butterflies

Just out of the EEC office we found these Lycaena butterflies which emerged today. Did you know that they have a relationship with ants called myrmecophily (interspecies association). They produce sugar rich secretions that attract ants. In return the ants protect the larvae and in some species the pupa also.      


Bournda Panorama

Such a beautiful photo Doug took last week, I had to share it.


Nesting boxes

I’ve decided that I should make some nesting boxes to put up in the bush at home. I like the idea of using a hollow log but it’s important to leave logs in the bush for ground dwelling animal habitat. Useful information and design ideas for nesting boxes I have learnt that it’s a good idea to thread […]


An owl in the yard!

This beautiful young Masked Owl was spotted by Phil in his yard. Amazing to see its defensive behaviour. https://youtu.be/u5sN6lmnqTo


Staff visit to On The Perch

The Bournda EEC staff had the pleasure of visiting On The Perch recently. Great to see the birds so happy and comfortable, with plenty of space to fly (and perch on us!) The Bush Stone Curlew is nesting again (she’s chosen a spot right by the path) and the chicks are due to hatch just in time […]


New barbeque for Bournda EEC

Hooray for a new barbeque! Looking forward to cooking on it at the school camps.


Close encounters!

Local paddle boarder has a close encounter with a giant of the sea!  


Gorillas face extinction

The world’s largest gorillas have been pushed to the brink of extinction by a surge of illegal hunting in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and are now critically endangered.


An exciting sighting!

Check out what was recently spotted in the Murrah Flora Reserve near Bega Read all about it and have a look at the video


Feeding the animals at Bournda…

These two visited recently – hoping for a share of lunch. Feeding the wildlife, while tempting to do, is not good for them and can lead to a range of negative consequences for the animals and humans. The Office of Environment and Heritage have more information on keeping our wildlife healthy here: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/animals/KeepingWildlifeWild.htm


Family: Fabaceae

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