Something very special happened on Friday 27th September. A group of students from Asquith Boys High School embarked on an environmental restoration project within the Berowra Valley National Park at the Lyrebird Gully track, Mount Kuring-Gai. This project celebrated the collaboration between Asquith Boys High School, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Hornsby Shire Council, the Friends of Berowra Valley and Gibberagong Environmental Education Centre. The aims of the day were to enable the students to further develop their connection to our natural word, learn from experts in the field, deepen their knowledge of bushland management and to teach the skills required for preserving natural areas into the future.
The occasion was of particular significance, especially to volunteers from the Friends of Berowra Valley, as this is the location of a memorial plaque, water drinking fountain and sandstone seating dedicated to the late Noel Rosten. Noel was involved in originally initiating bush regeneration with the students from Asquith Boys High School at this location. On the day, the students sat in this special location to hold their environmental committee meeting and vote for a new president.
“This is such a wonderful opportunity for the students to deepen their understanding of this unique environment,” said Brad, a local teacher. “It provides them with a unique opportunity to work side-by-side with the current land managers. In fact, one of the previous students involved in this project from Asquith Boys recently gained employment as a Field Officer with the National Parks and Wildlife Service. It was also very special to see the students chatting with volunteers from the Friends of Berowra Valley.”
The students have helped restore a significant area of the national park and will be returning on a regular basis to monitor and rehabilitate the site for the benefit of park visitors and our unique flora and fauna.