Young green thumbs plant native garden at Jordan Springs Public School

Some of the youngest green thumbs in our community were put to work to establish a native garden within Jordan Springs Public School.

After receiving a $2,500 Lendlease Junior Landcare Grant and support from Bunnings Warehouse at North Penrith, students from the school’s 3-6 Green Team were able to roll up their sleeves and plant a variety of native species.

The garden is planted around a birdfeeder that was both designed and built by the school’s General Assistant, Robert Clarke.

Some of the native species planted include Anigozanthos (Kangaroo Paw), Banksia spinulosa (Birthday candles) and Callistemon citrinus (Crimson bottlebrush).

The aim of the project was to not only establish a space that supported local wildlife in our community, but to allow students to feel a sense of responsibility and accomplishment to plant the garden.

Jordan Springs Social Sustainability Manager Greg Belle said it was fantastic to see school students take an interest in gardening and the environment.

“The aim of the Lendlease Junior Landcare Grants is to get children educated and excited by sustainable measures,” Greg said.

“It was great to join the students of Jordan Springs Public School as they planted a variety of native plants and hear them be inquisitive about gardening, nature and local wildlife.”

Lendlease first partnered with Landcare Australia’s Junior Landcare program in 2019 to help support the next generation of environmental and community leaders. By fostering relationships with youth, the local community and First Nations champions, the Lendlease Junior Landcare Grants program helps drive greater environmental and social outcomes in Lendlease communities and surrounding suburbs.

This year alone, 13 primary and high schools across the country were awarded a Lendlease Junior Landcare Grant. The grants of up to $5,000 each were awarded for a range of projects in the biodiversity, food production, First Nations perspectives, and waste management sectors. To learn more, click here.