Kids Greening Taupō (KGT) has 50,000 reasons to believe the country’s 52nd annual Conservation Week will be another success – in spite of the activities being almost entirely virtual.
Kids Greening Taupō, or KGT for short, noticed that soon after lockdown began there was an amazing response to its online resources designed to connect children with nature.
The scavenger hunts have proved especially popular, says KGT education co-ordinator, Rachel Thompson.
“It’s great that everyone is enjoying connecting to nature during this time.”
“We’ve had over 50,000 page views and hope to see the enthusiasm continue as we take in Conservation Week.”
DOC community ranger Candace Graham echoed the sentiment.
“It’s true, research shows that connecting with nature, even in a small way, helps our mental and physical health – and that’s why it’s so important to take a moment in nature this Conservation Week.
“This year Conservation Week is the 4 to 12 September and we want everybody to take the chance to notice and discover nature.
“Along with the KGT resources, there are lots of other things for you to try with your whānau.”
Among offerings, the Taupō Environmental Education Collaborative (Taupō EEC) is challenging people to get outside and take a photo of themselves (in their bubble, of course) in nature and share it on Facebook to be in to win prizes in the Whānau Nature Challenge.
Other Conservation Week offerings include a webinar with local vermicomposting entrepreneur and expert Michael Quintern, and a nature themed virtual toddler time brought to you by Taupō Library and Enviroschools.
“Whether you join formal events, access fabulous online resources, or keep it simple within your own bubble, make sure you take a moment to notice nature this Conservation Week. It’s pretty cool,” Ms Graham says.