St John’s Lutheran Kindergarten was one of 123 schools and youth organisations to receive a 2023 Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grant.

Delivered through Landcare Australia’s Junior Landcare program, and funded by the Victorian Government, the grants provide young people the opportunity to engage in outdoor, hands-on biodiversity focused projects or learning activities that provide both environmental and educational outcomes.

The grant of $1,996.20 was used to enhance the children’s interest in learning about bees and the environment through the creation of a new natural habitat in the kindergarten. Grevillea Winter Delight (Lanigera Lavandulacae) has been planted as a border of the accessible garden and will be maintained by St John’s Lutheran Kindergarten children. Grevillea Winter Delight is a native flowering bush that appeals to bees and other nectar-feeding animals.

To expand the educational benefits of the new natural habitat, the children have taken part in two incursions with Coastal Nectar and Urban Upcycle, where the children created their own bee hotels for the kindergarten and to take home with them.

 “We are delighted to receive a Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grant and have eagerly started our project. Our students are learning about improving biodiversity of our environment through native planting and applying land care principles to promote ongoing support for native wildlife,” said Raelene Roede, St John’s Lutheran Kindergarten Early Childhood teacher.

Funded by the Victorian Government through the Department of Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, the grants also contribute to the targets of Protecting Victoria’s Environment - Biodiversity 2037, the Victorian Government’s plan to stop the decline of our native plants and animals and improve our natural environment.

For more information about the 2023 Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants, visit: 2023 Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants | Junior Landcare

For more information about the Victorian Government’s plan Protecting Victoria’s Environment – Biodiversity 2037, visit environment.vic.gov.au/biodiversity/biodiversity-plan