Children’s Activities – Waterwatch & Habitat Hunt
A hands-on school holiday program by Yass Landcare invited children and families to explore the Yass Gorge through Waterwatch, habitat discovery, and cultural storytelling—fostering a lifelong connection to local nature.
Capacity building - LEP23-014-LLC15-2
The issue
Children in Yass have limited access to hands-on nature experiences. As screen time increases and outdoor play decreases, the connection between young people and their local environment is weakening. Yet what children love and learn about, they are more likely to protect as adults. Yass Gorge—a small but ecologically significant area within town—is home to endangered natural temperate grasslands and the Yass River, which supplies water to local communities. There was an urgent need to foster curiosity and care for this special place among the next generation.
The solution
Yass Landcare hosted a free school holiday program in the Yass Gorge with hands-on learning activities. Children took part in a Waterwatch survey led by coordinator Yolandi Vermaak, and explored the Gorge on a guided Habitat Hunt with ecologist Dr Melissa Snape. Local Aboriginal educator Pam Bell shared cultural stories and family memories of life at the Gorge, weaving Indigenous perspectives into the day. The program focused on microhabitats, native species, and the importance of caring for local waterways, while encouraging whole-family participation.
The impact
The event brought over 60 children and adults into closer contact with their local environment. Children discovered bugs, birds, grasses and riverbank critters—often for the first time—while parents observed and learned alongside them. Many participants stayed well beyond the scheduled time, asking questions and expressing delight in discovering the Gorge’s hidden treasures. The day nurtured a sense of ownership, wonder and care for this overlooked natural area in the heart of town, laying a foundation for lasting environmental stewardship.
Key facts
- Children learned about water health, biodiversity and habitats in a local endangered ecosystem.
- Exposure of parents and children to the natural world builds appreciation and empathic treatment of these endangered ecosystems.