Bringing Back the Bush program

In 2021 from Lizard Log we brought this free outdoor learning opportunity to Stage 2 students who would not normally get to participate in an excursion or community program due to economic, social or geographical disadvantage. We covered both the program fee and transport costs to and from the Parklands. 

When: Tuesdays

Who: Stage 2*

Time: 9:30am – 2:30pm 

Where: Lizard Log, Western Sydney Parklands

*We cater for a minimum of 150 to a maximum of 240 students. If your group size is small, we may invite your stage 1 and/or 3 to join us or combine you with another school. If your stage is larger than 240 students, we may provide an additional excursion date.

 Our goals are simple. Through the Bringing Back the Bush program we want to:

• connect the community to this special place and the traditional custodians of this area

• regenerate the Cumberland Plain Woodland (listed as ‘critically endangered’ by the Australian Government) which once covered 30% of Sydney

Students engage in cross-curricular activities with indigenous cultural perspectives, science, geography, sustainability, and tree planting to restore native habitat for native animals of the area.

While helping us plant native trees, shrubs, grasses and wildflowers in the Parklands, students also get a fun, hands-on lesson in an outdoor classroom.  Students learn the art of mapping, explore the different habitats provided by the Cumberland Plain Woodland, and the animals that call them home and participate in an Aboriginal cultural presentation with Dharug elders.

Stage 2 Outcomes:

Geography:

GE2-1 examines features and characteristics of places and environments.

GE2-2 describes the ways people, places and environments interact.

Science:

ST2-4LW-S – compares features and characteristics of living and non-living things.

Mathematics:

MA2-1WM – uses appropriate terminology to describe and symbols to represent, mathematical ideas

MA2-17MG uses simple maps and grids to represent position and follow routes, including using compass directions.

Aboriginal Languages

2MBC1 – A student recognises the link between culture and a sense of identity.

2.MBC.2 - A student recognises connections between Aboriginal culture, language, land, and a sense of identity.

Back at school students can draw a picture of their time at Lizard Log and write about their experience. Past students drew images that have been used in our Lizard Log Kids Trail Map for all students attending the program to use.

Students are encouraged to return to Lizard Log with their families to visit their tree planting site, have a picnic, and play in the Lizard Log playground. By bringing back the bush native animals, such as the Eastern Grey Kangaroo and the Dwarf Tree Frog can also return to the area.

“We have had amazing feedback from our parents and community members, saying their children came home from the excursion and wouldn't stop talking about how much fun they had. They are excited to visit the park in the future and see their trees/plants grow. The Aboriginal Cultural activities were such an eye-opener for our students.”

Lauryn Fitton, Assistant Principal, Governor King Phillip Public School

Are you a teacher?

Register you interest in our Term 1 or Term 2 2024 program HERE.

• Living Learning - Cumberland Plain Woodland
• Parklands Environmental Science
• Parklands Environmental Science - Wildlife Project Sheet
• Read the T&Cs

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