Sacred Heart students tour arboretum

Sacred Heart students learned all about the flora of the Far West during a tour of the Riddiford Arboretum yesterday.

Students of class Year 2-3 took a tour of the facility with Riddiford Arboretum Community Committee member Wayne Lovis and Deputy Mayor Marion Browne, and learned all about the many different plant species in our area and the importance of the Regeneration Area.

Teacher's Aid Belinda Miller said the tour would assist with the students' current studies, while providing a welcome break from the classroom.

"They're currently studying eucalypts, so it's good for the kids to be able to get out where the trees are growing rather than just looking at them in a book or on the computer," she said.

Council also donated ten Westringia "Blue Gem" shrubs for the school to plant and study.

"The kids can learn about proper planting, how to look after the plants properly, and taking care of them as they grow," said Ms Miller.

Any schools wishing to take an educational tour of the Arboretum can contact Council's Sustainability Coordinator on 08 8080 3300.

* Mr Lovis is pictured explaining facts about one of the arboretum's many plant species to students.