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Students take part in environment program
Primary school children in the Peninsula area are currently taking part in tree planting ceremonies, World Environment Day activities and biodiversity projects.
They are learning about recycling and about endangered species.
The activities are part of the Gosford Council's annual "Schools Environment Awareness Program".
The program is in its 14th year.
This year, the theme is "Biodiversity - here today, gone tomorrow".
The schools involved are Woy Woy, Umina, Ettalong, Pretty Beach and Empire Bay.
Students have been asked to think about the variety of native plants and animals (biodiversity) in Australia.
"Issues such as endangered species, habitats and protecting our local biodiversity are important issues for school children to be aware of," said the council's environment awareness program co-ordinator Ms Maree Whelan.
"Australia is unique because it provides a home to over one million plants and animals that are found nowhere else in the world.
"We all need to be aware of this amazing fact because it helps us to understand just how precious and unique our local biodiversity is.
"Children are also finding out about threats to our biodiversity and the harm that can be caused by domestic pets, rubbish and lack of education," said Ms Whelan.
"I am looking forward to seeing what they produce.
"Last year's efforts were fantastic."
Judging will start in Term 3 and will last for a number of weeks.
In the meantime, council is looking for sponsors from local orginisations to help support the program.
In previous years, local businesses provided either money or prizes such as cinema passes, books and caps.
All sponsors will be invited to the presentation day to be held in November at Laycock St Theatre where they are encouraged to present their prizes to the children.
The presentation day is a culmination of all the hard work undertaken by the schools.
Anyone is interested in sponsoring the program or discussing any aspect of the program should contact Maree Whelan on 4325 8144.
Media Release, May 27