The natural classroom

We have a large variety of environmental education programs and events available to schools.

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.

ProgramDescriptionActivityStyle of activityThemeAge GroupFind out more
Bat ChatsA 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 talksEducational workshopWildlifeConservationFirst NationsYear 3 - 8Email for officer availability.
BatPodA 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 resourcesChoose-your-own adventure podcast Self-guidedWildlife Conservation First NationsYear 3 - 8Spotify link
Beach Clean Up ProgramWe 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 differenceExcursionCoastal SustainabilityYear 4 - 12Website link
BushCare MatesA 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 workshopsHands-onMake a differenceExcursionWorkshopConservationPlantsCoastalRivers and catchmentsWildlifeAll school ages – must be able to take direction.Website link
Bush Hands eNewsCouncil'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 newsletterResourcesCoastal Rivers and catchments Water Wildlife Fire Cultural heritage Conservation Plants SustainabilityMiddle - secondary schoolSubscribe and see past issues.
Coastal Discovery Van & Clean Ocean ChampionsIs 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 resourcesIncursion ResourcesCoastalAll school ages – must be able to take direction.Website link
Environment resources and publicationsInformation sheets, brochures, articles, videos and links.Online information for teaching or school projectsResourcesCoastal Rivers and catchments Water Wildlife Fire Cultural heritage Conservation Plants SustainabilityAll agesWebsite link
Kids in ActionA program inspiring positive action and capacity amongst our future environmental custodians. The program brings schools together to explore local environmental issues.Day of workshops ConferenceExcursionSelf-guidedConnecting to Country First Nations Citizen science Climate change Wildlife PlantsDesigned primarily for students from Years 5-8.Website link
Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic GardensSelf-guided walks/experiences to discover the story of the natural landscape that shapes the character of the Sunshine Coast.Self-guided walksExcursionConnecting to CountryFirst NationsCitizen scienceWildlifePlantsArt in NatureAll agesWebsite link
Maroochy Wetlands SanctuaryPre-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 walksExcursionConnecting to Country First Nations Citizen science Climate change Wildlife Plants Wetlands HabitatAll school ages – must be able to take direction.Website link
Mary Cairncross Scenic ReservePre-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 walksExcursionConnecting to Country First Nations Citizen science Climate change Wildlife PlantsAll school ages – must be able to take direction.Website link
Night Creatures library talksLibrary talks provided free to the community, to promote the ecological importance of flying-foxes and the role of wildlife carers.Library talksEducational workshopWildlife ConservationAll agesContact Sunshine Coast libraries
Schools National Tree DayA 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 plantingHands-on Make a difference ExcursionConservation Plants Coastal Rivers and catchments WildlifeAll school ages – must be able to take direction.Delivered through BushCare Mates program
Waste 2 Resource Education ProgramA 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 talksIncursion ResourcesSustainabilityAll pre-school and school agesWebsite link
Sunshine Coast Council acknowledges the Sunshine Coast Country, home of the Kabi Kabi peoples and the Jinibara peoples, the Traditional Custodians, whose lands and waters we all now share.
We commit to working in partnership with the Traditional Custodians and the broader First Nations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) community to support self-determination through economic and community development.
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