Education
Passionate about building the ecological knowledge and literacy of our community, the Werribee River Association provides interactive workshops, presentations, guided walks and citizen science programs to schools, kindergartens, community centres and groups, as well as at festivals and special
events. Below are some of the programs we offer.
Our sessions can be adapted to the classroom or delivered on location. We are flexible in tailoring these sessions to your needs. For more information and to book a session contact Charlotte Williamson, our Education Manager at charlotte.williamson@werribeeriver.org.au
Discover Water-bugs
Discover Water-bugs
Collect water samples from nearby sources (or these can be brought on-site) and using scientific methods, participants are able to study invertebrate life and draw conclusions on water quality, aquatic animal life, and the health of the river.
Water Quality Session
Water Quality Session
Water samples collected from the river or wetlands are tested for their water quality. Basic water sampling will include testing temperature, pH levels, temperature, turbidity, salinity, and nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus). The results are used to draw conclusions on the water quality, aquatic animal life, and the health of the river.
Wildlife of the Werribee Catchment
Wildlife of the Werribee Catchment
Learn about the native fish, birds, frogs, lizards, and other creatures that live in the Werribee catchment, some critically endangered due to changes in their natural habitat. Meet at the location of choice or classroom.
Intergenerational Walks
Intergenerational Walks
Following on from our monthly Generations in Gaia intergenerational nature play and walk, we look for opportunities to bring groups together to learn about and connect with country
Sensory Walks
Sensory Walks
Sensory walks are about using our senses to notice and connect with the surrounding environment. We take a slow pace to explore how barks feels, listen to bird calls, smell the eucalypts or find shapes in their twisted limbs. Accessibility is always catered for on these walks.
Litter Champions
Litter Champions
Learners are engaged in a litter collection at their school or community site, with a waste audit and analysis of litter source. Participants are supported to commence a Litter Action Plan to lessen the impacts of litter in their environment and to reduce, reuse and recycle. Litter bags and tongs supplied. We can arrange removal of the litter collected.
Riverkeeper Walks
Riverkeeper Walks
Learn about the Werribee River catchment from the source to the sea – covering all aspects of the river, plants and animals, water management systems, and human impacts on the river.Â
Habitat Restoration
Habitat Restoration
Learn about the habitats that support an increase in native birdlife and other native animals. Support and advice for on-site restoration ecology, i.e., to build a frog bog, a wildflower meadow, a lizard lounge, and habitat gardens.
Future Visions
Future Visions
A hopeful and practical workshop that uses creativity and conversation to explore our visions for a resilient and sustainable community. We also map out a plan for the collective actions required to achieve our goals.
Soil Health
Soil Health
Learn how to improve soil quality and grow nutritious food plants through low-cost methods including mulching, composting, and adding layers. Find out about local native plants suited to your area. Discover underground food webs and how plants communicate through hidden networks. Free resources and gardening booklets for attendees.
Understanding Pollution
Understanding Pollution
We will provide you and your students/group with an understanding of what pollution is in the waterways. We can visit your school/centre, or meet you out on site.
Heart Walks
Heart Walks
Heart Walks use creativity as way to explore and connect with nature. Previous walks have incorporated nature writing, photography and sound and can be delivered at a location of choice.
Wild About Platypus
Wild About Platypus
Learn about platypus biology, the technique scientists use to monitor them, what are the threats to their population, and what you can do to help. We also have a taxidermy platypus so students can see and feel first-hand what they look like. This session can be run as an incursion through a PowerPoint presentation or an excursion as a walk along the Werribee River. Suited to all age groups.
Deep Time Walks
Deep Time Walks
This 4.6km Deep Time Walk is a transformative journey, led by Jess Fairfax, Werribee River Association Sustainability Officer, that guides people through the 4.6 billion years of Earth history. The distance walked is used to explore the vast time scales and developments of our planet. This is an immersive learning experience designed to encourage further thinking, emotional connection, positive action, and advocacy for a regenerative Earth. The walks take 3 hours.
Deep Time Walks
Deep Time Walks
This 4.6km Deep Time Walk is a transformative journey, led by Jess Fairfax, Werribee River Association Sustainability Officer, that guides people through the 4.6 billion years of Earth history. The distance walked is used to explore the vast time scales and developments of our planet. This is an immersive learning experience designed to encourage further thinking, emotional connection, positive action, and advocacy for a regenerative Earth. The walks take 3 hours.
Riverkeeper Walks
Riverkeeper Walks
Learn about the Werribee River catchment from the source to the sea – covering all aspects of the river, plants and animals, water management systems, and human impacts on the river.Â
Habitat Restoration
Habitat Restoration
Learn about the habitats that support an increase in native birdlife and other native animals. Support and advice for on-site restoration ecology, i.e., to build a frog bog, a wildflower meadow, a lizard lounge, and habitat gardens.
Soil Health
Soil Health
Learn how to improve soil quality and grow nutritious food plants through low-cost methods including mulching, composting, and adding layers. Find out about local native plants suited to your area. Discover underground food webs and how plants communicate through hidden networks. Free resources and gardening booklets for attendees.
Future Visions
Future Visions
A hopeful and practical workshop that uses creativity and conversation to explore our visions for a resilient and sustainable community. We also map out a plan for the collective actions required to achieve our goals.
Wild About Platypus
Wild About Platypus
Learn about platypus biology, the technique scientists use to monitor them, what are the threats to their population, and what they can do to help. We also have a taxidermy platypus so students can see and feel first-hand what they look like. This session can be run as an incursion through a PowerPoint presentation or an excursion as a walk along the Werribee River. Suited to all age groups.
Understanding Pollution
Understanding Pollution
Learners sift through sand and soil samples to find sources of plastics and other foreign material that they analyse and categorise, and develop a greater understanding of the effects of plastics on our ecology and human health.
Heart Walks
Heart Walks
Heart Walks use creativity as way to explore and connect with nature. Previous walks have incorporated nature writing, photography and sound and can be delivered at a location of choice.
Educational Resources ​
Check out our educational resources about our local waterways:
