The natural classroom

A large variety of council-supported environmental education programs and events are available to schools, from hands on activities to self-guided excursions which explore a wide range of sustainability, conservation and wildlife themes throughout our local Sunshine Coast bushland and coastline.

Please note availability of some activities may vary depending on staff availability and waiting lists may apply.

Program	Description	Activity	Style of activity	Theme	Age Group	Find out more
Bat Chats	A service provided free to schools on the Sunshine Coast. A lesson where a conservation officer teaches students and teachers about the ecological importance of flying-foxes and students are required to problem-solve how to manage an urban roost.	In class talks	Educational workshop	WildlifeConservationFirst Nations	Year 3 - 8	Email for officer availability.
BatPod	A self-guided podcast where listeners become junior conservation officers. The podcast shares First Nations knowledge, factual information and expert guidance to encourage student’s empathy towards both flying-foxes and humans and inspire solutions.	Incursion resources	Choose-your-own adventure podcast Self-guided	Wildlife Conservation First Nations	Year 3 - 8	Spotify link
Beach Clean Up Program	We partner with volunteers, schools, businesses and community groups to protect our local beaches and coastal environments from litter and marine debris.	Marine debris litter collection from beaches. Litter sorting and recording with Tangaroa Blue. Schools Beach Clean Up Event.	Hands-onMake a differenceExcursion	Coastal Sustainability	Year 4 - 12	Website link
BushCare Mates	A school conservation program that uses bushcare and tree planting to educate and inspire students to connect with their local environment while fostering a sense of community. Funding for transport available.	Tree planting Hand weeding Educational workshops	Hands-onMake a differenceExcursionWorkshop	ConservationPlantsCoastalRivers and catchmentsWildlife	All school ages – must be able to take direction.	Website link
Bush Hands eNews	Council's environment themed email newsletter with articles focusing on topics such as latest conservation techniques, volunteering opportunities, upcoming events, plant and animal profiles, land management advice, updates on council's environment programs and projects and more.	Email newsletter	Resources	Coastal Rivers and catchments Water Wildlife Fire Cultural heritage Conservation Plants Sustainability	Middle - secondary school	Subscribe and see past issues.
Coastal Discovery Van & Clean Ocean Champions	Is a new educational tool, fitted with interpretative and information displays. These show coastal processes that influence our beaches and waterways. Online lessons and activities in Coastal Guardian passport.	Workshop Online resources	Incursion Resources	Coastal	All school ages – must be able to take direction.	Website link
Environment resources and publications	Information sheets, brochures, articles, videos and links.	Online information for teaching or school projects	Resources	Coastal Rivers and catchments Water Wildlife Fire Cultural heritage Conservation Plants Sustainability	All ages	Website link
Kids in Action	A program inspiring positive action and capacity amongst our future environmental custodians. The program brings schools together to explore local environmental issues.	Day of workshops Conference	ExcursionSelf-guided	Connecting to Country First Nations Citizen science Climate change Wildlife Plants	Designed primarily for students from Years 5-8.	Website link
Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens	Self-guided walks/experiences to discover the story of the natural landscape that shapes the character of the Sunshine Coast.	Self-guided walks	Excursion	Connecting to CountryFirst NationsCitizen scienceWildlifePlantsArt in Nature	All ages	Website link
Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary	Pre-booked guided walks are conducted by volunteer guides with a passion for sharing the stories of the plants and animals that make the wetlands unique.	Guided walks	Excursion	Connecting to Country First Nations Citizen science Climate change Wildlife Plants Wetlands Habitat	All school ages – must be able to take direction.	Website link
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve	Pre-booked guided walks are conducted by volunteer guides with a passion for sharing the stories of the plants, animals and fungi that make the reserve special.	Guided walks	Excursion	Connecting to Country First Nations Citizen science Climate change Wildlife Plants	All school ages – must be able to take direction.	Website link
Night Creatures library talks	Library talks provided free to the community, to promote the ecological importance of flying-foxes and the role of wildlife carers.	Library talks	Educational workshop	Wildlife Conservation	All ages	Contact Sunshine Coast libraries
Schools National Tree Day	A national day for schools to get involved in planting trees, generally held annually on the last friday in July. We can coordinate tree planting activities in council’s environment reserves on this day or anytime of the year. Funding for transport available.	Tree planting	Hands-on Make a difference Excursion	Conservation Plants Coastal Rivers and catchments Wildlife	All school ages – must be able to take direction.	Delivered through BushCare Mates program
Waste 2 Resource Education Program	A service provided free to schools on the Sunshine Coast. The program teaches students, parents and teachers about the '3Rs' (reduce, reuse and recycle).	In class talks	Incursion Resources	Sustainability	All pre-school and school ages	Website link